Happy Dance and winds...

[Catrin]

My definition of a "good day for riding" seems to keep changing. When Stella first came home in December, I decided that it should be about 38 F before I would go out. That has been changing...today it was 27 F - but the sun was shining and it was beautiful. I am still "confined" to a large parking lot complex (until I can take my hand off the bar long enough to signal without almost falling over )

For the first time I felt relaxed during my practice session, and it was fun even if confined to the same series of empty lots and connecting roads. My cadence was picking up, and I could actually coast (my trainer laughs at my tendency to NEVER coast - all of those spinning classes have apparently trained me not to coast...) Sadly my Cateye Strada Cadence computer seems to only be picking up my cadence, it isn't doing well with either speed or distance. I suspect the LBS didn't get the magnet in quite the right location...

Today I met up with some cross-winds while riding down one of the connecting roads, and before long I noted my heart was tripping along quite rapidly - and beating quite hard I didn't have my HR monitor with me, but it was something of a surprise. My cardiovascular endurance has improved significantly, but it was a surprise (and I've more work to do). Guess that I shouldn't have been surprised, it makes sense that it takes more effort to keep the bike going in a wind - cross-wind or not.

I even managed to rip my hand off of the left bar a few times to make a split second hand signal I am feeling like a kid and having a lot of fun - though I admit that the parking lot complex is kind of boring these days...but the adult in me says that I must be comfortable signaling before I graduate to a local park where there will be cars and cyclists...

[annielynn]

Sounds like you are doing very well. I have been riding since August and I still have issues with taking my hands off of the handle bars.

My hubby and I have decided that since we don't have the riding gear appropriate, that 50 degrees is our limit. Luckily since we live in the sunshine state there aren't many mornings that it is colder than that.

[indysteel]

I went for a ride yesterday, too. It wasn't too bad until I turned west. Then it got chilly. Still, it wasn't a bad day for a ride. I've ridden about 70 miles this January, which is 70 more than I've ever ridden this time of year. Usually, it's just too cold and wet, snowy, or icy.

As far as taking your hand of the bar, I would suggest making sure that you're not gripping the bar too tightly. Relax your upper body and keep your gaze well ahead of you. Steadiness is also a function of your pedal stroke. If you're mashing (trying to push too hard of a gear), it will make your whole body herky jerky. Spin in a relatively easy (but not too easy) of a gear and try to spin in complete circles.

Beyond that, it just takes practice. Just keep doing what your doing, Catrin. You'll get there!

[GrassyRidge]

I admit I'm jealous, I'm not a cold weather person and haven't been able to make myself ride in this sub 32 weather. What do you do for your ears? Normally in this weather I put a hat on to cover my ears, but with a bike helmet that just doesn't work. The one time I did get myself geared up to go riding, within 30 seconds of starting, my ears hurt. I think everything else would have adjusted to the temps....

and congrats on all your riding, that is awesome! The letting go will come. I'm right handed, so my left can come and go at will. I still havent mastered letting go with the right and then riding in a straight line!

[Catrin]

I admit I'm jealous, I'm not a cold weather person and haven't been able to make myself ride in this sub 32 weather. What do you do for your ears? Normally in this weather I put a hat on to cover my ears, but with a bike helmet that just doesn't work. The one time I did get myself geared up to go riding, within 30 seconds of starting, my ears hurt. I think everything else would have adjusted to the temps....

and congrats on all your riding, that is awesome! The letting go will come. I'm right handed, so my left can come and go at will. I still havent mastered letting go with the right and then riding in a straight line!

Thanks for the support and ideas, this is a great group!

For my ears I bought a Gore Tech, well, I don't know what to call it. It is like a headband that goes over my ears and fits snugly - it does not interfere with the helmet at all and my ears are all toasty warm. My FACE, however, is a different story.

Right now I am not riding at temps less than 27 F, I think I need a third layer for my legs to do that - right now I wear knickers with leg warmers underneath them - and three layers for my upper body. I think that if I go with much colder temps that I need to add some tights to the mix, or perhaps some fleece pants to go over it all. I would also need some shoe covers, but what I currently have is working for the temps I am brave enough to go out in.

[tctrek]

Good job getting out there and braving the weather! I haven't been able to get outside since around Christmas and I can tell you I am so sick of riding my bike on the trainer... arrggghhh.... but Atlanta has had a fierce cold winter, rain and winds and for now, I'm keeping my butt indoors.