Goodhue Lake Route, One More Time

It was about ten degrees warmer today than yesterday. My riding buddy Bruce and I were ready to go out at about 2 PM this afternoon, but work kept us busy until around 4:30. The wind had picked up a little since earlier in the day, but it was a warm breeze tonight. I went out in shorts and long sleeves this evening.

We had considered a number of other rides, but the Goodhue Lake Loop is just such a nice ride, I decided to do it again tonight. I wasn't sure I had the legs to do it two days in a row, but I thought it would be a good challenge. The adrenalin from the warm sunny day saw me through.

The warm weather is supposed to last through the weekend, so I am going to try and get a long ride in. Ingrid returns from Japan tomorrow night. I am anxious to hear all the details of her trip. Erik has a nature fair that he is taking some of the Tanglewood Nature Center animals to. It almost sounds like they are going to go on rides and eat cotton candy... Cindy has been working in the garden and will take advantage of the warm weather to do some more, I'm sure. It should be a very pleasant weekend.

Another Installment of Endorphin-Soaked Bike Rides

Hearing about the weather in SLC, I wanted to be sure to get out in today's somewhat balmier weather in NY. It was 62 degrees F when I started, but riding up through the canyons in the area, with the sun going down, it quickly cooled to 55. I went alone tonight, since most people went at lunchtime or had other commitments. It was 33 miles, with a 1086 ft vertical. The major climb is a long slow ascent through a winding bucolic canyon. It felt like there was a headwind the whole time. It took me 1:55 minutes; not too bad for early in the season for me. I like to ride in this area, because there is not a lot of traffic. I think 5 cars passed me the whole time I was out.

I have begun to notice that I am much more inclined to post on my blog when I have ridden. I wonder if there is a correlation between the endorphins and posting...

Climbing Made the Cold Bearable, Barely

Tonight after work I went out for another ride, this time with my friend Robert, who has been on previous blogs. It was a little chillier this evening. The thermometer on my car was saying the outside temperature was between 52 and 54 degrees F at about 5:45 PM, when we were getting started. I looked at the thermometer on my bike about 1/2-way through the ride and it said 47 degrees. It was the most difficult on the descents. It is a nice hilly route, so the climbing helped me warm up. But, 47 degrees is a little too cold. Later this week it is supposed to be in the 60's, so I will head out again then.

My cyclometer isn't working yet this season, so I don't have any numbers. I think I may have some corrosion from over the winter. I will try to clean up the contacts and see if that fixes it.

Another Beatiful Day, Another Awesome Ride II

Yes, another beautiful day and another awesome ride. There were four of us this time and the temperature was in the mid 60's. We added another extension, so that we could savor the great weather even more. I had emerged from work with long sleeves, a jacket, and tights on my legs, but it was so warm that I removed my tights and jacket and really enjoyed the warmth of the sun. Mid-ride we were in the shadows of a crest, but the enthusiasm of the beginning of the season kept me warm enough.

A few of us intersperse sprint points throughout the ride: whenever we come to a town line or city limits sign, there will be a sprint to see who can reach it first. Tonight I took the first sprint, coming from behind and passing the other rider before the sign. On the return, the same person I passed leaped out again. I tried to catch his slipstream, but just didn't have the strength to reel him in. However, on the final climb up to work, I led the way up the hill, feeling strong enough to get out of the saddle for a good portion of the climb. (Nothing like what Bill has on store for himself, but a little strenuous nonetheless).

After the ride I went for pizza and beer with the other sprinter. For me two slices - anchovies on one and fresh tomatoes on the other, and a Sierra Nevada Porter to wash it down. Nice way to end another awesome ride. Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy and mid 50's. I won't be looking for an awesome ride then...