My Most Recent Ride 2012 (Part V in a series)

We started at daybreak and it was a chilly 46 degrees. Warmed up to upper 50's by the time we finished.

 

A Picture Story...

Went out riding my loops today. Clear and 56 degrees. 20.1 miles.

Minding my own business. Thought for sure (wabbit) season was over. They must be hibernating.

After 5 hard laps, I slowed down for my “recovery” and last lap. As I was coasting with about ¼ mile to go, I spotted two geriatric . (That means they are my age.) All dressed up in spandex and fancy DF bikes heading the other way.

(Reason) said… “Let them go!” There would be ½ mile between us before I made the turn. But then (Greyhound brain) began to temp me. “You can do it. What have you got to lose???” I made the turn and increased to 18 MPH. I just wanted to see how far ahead they were. The answer turned out to be REALLY FAR AHEAD!!

said… “Relax. This is your recover lap. Let them go!” taunted me saying, “Come on, you can do this. Are you just going to give up and let geriatric put you in your place???”

So I ramped up to 20 MPH. Rounded our first turn. No . Thought of just coasting then nagged me “You are NOT a quitter!” Hmmm. Cranked up to 22 MPH. Rounded second turn. Nothing.

Now 23 MPH. Round next turn. Saw way out ahead on a flat stretch.

Getting 24 MPH. I was quickly reeling them in. We came up to a long slight uphill. They slowed down. I kept up my pace and passed them at the top. Then I put in my big front chain ring and pounded the peddles. In 1,000 feet were mere specs in my rear view mirror. I also saw way back there too!! I said, ", now you let it go!!!"

stewed…

So most have gone for the winter, but some still come out to play.

 

YAAYYY!!

Picture book story with big words that are little!

Cute wabbits!

Nice doggie!

(I go play on trainer now...)

 

We had a dusting of snow this morning. It was more like foggy drops of moisture that had frozen into dust sized bits of ice. Still, technically snow! It didn't last long or stick

After that, the skies cleared. Though I felt rather 'bleah' about taking the Trice out since it misbehaved so badly last time, I dragged out the door. 33 F and the 2 pm November SUN already low on the clear horizon. I so can't wait for Christmas just because the days will be getting longer if nothing else.

Of course, the trike performed perfectly on the 4.7 mile River Loop Loke and I covered. Other than the fact I should have put in my contacts and used my wind proof sunglasses/goggles, I managed to dress perfectly for the nippy weather. Heavy wool thermals with wind-breaker pants and thin wool shirt with a lycra shirt over that and a big loose knit sweater on top. Toss in a knit cap under the helm, shoe covers and gortex mittens and I felt quite comfy.

Terii

 

Another ride today!

Jens woke at 5:30 am to have time for a short walk with Loke before needing to leave for the airport at 6:30 am. Since it was so brief, I had the hubby carry the trike out to lock it under the balcony so I could take Loke for an outing once the sun came up.

38 F and clear when we went out at about 11:45 am. Though it was above freezing and sunny with long shadows, every puddle I saw still had ice in it. Some were frozen through, turned into shiny, slick sheens of ice over the pavement.

I dressed much as I had yesterday, but I forgot my shoe covers. I had planned to add the field loop extension to the River Loop and various other extensions, but it was very windy and then the low sun disappeared behind a thin layer of clouds. Suddenly, my feet were very unhappy without the shoe covers.

So, I skipped the field loop addition and made it home with 7.9 miles.

Still waiting on word about the Sprint. It looks like the shipping date might be pushed back a little as they're waiting for a part to arrive. My guess is it's the 12-36 9-spd cassette since that's the only non-standard item I can think of. Even the short crank is considered a standard option on their trikes.

Terii

 

Brrr. I'm too wimpy to ride in those conditions! :worship:

 

Had a week of good riding weather here in NE Arkansas. I managed to get in 114 miles this week, that's the first time in a while that I have ridden that much.
Looks like this may have been the last week for the beautiful fall colors as the leaves are now dropping quickly.

Terii, I admire you for riding in the icy conditions. I really don't like to ride at temps below 40, although I do occasionally.
The Tour Easy with the big fairing sure helps in the colder temps!

 

Maple Trees

-are bright this year;
some motorists are less-than-bright.



Beautiful riding weather today.
It's just 70 F. right now and that's
the perfect temperature to ride in, for me!

I passed two bicyclists dressed in full lycra clown suits.
They were not even trying....

Saw some regulars out on their daily bike rides
and we traded smiles -briefly- as I sped on by.

21.5 miles at an average speed of 18.4 mph.

 

Nice!

 

OK, this isn't me but it felt like me today. Today I broke 2,000 miles for only the second time in my life. (Last year was the first time!)

Got out my trusty V Rex and off to the greenways we went. Started out it was 55 degrees. By the time I got back it was 49 degrees. I am just not used to this COLD weather.

 

Always a good feeling of accomplishment to see personal mileage numbers with 3 zeroes at the end. Congrats. You earned it.

 

Good job Jon!!

 

Dragged myself out the door for ride this morning. Whimsically decided to take pity on my husband and let him have a relaxing morning instead of hurrying out the door for an hour long walk with Loke. It might be one of the last rides on my Trice for a long while.

It was about 45 F and lead gray skies. The sun started peeking out between the clouds at the same time a drizzle started peppering me. It gave off a faint Rainbow a least.

The rain didn't last long, less than 5 minutes. It felt good to be out and Loke had truckloads of energy. His breathing still isn't right, but my vet, Niclas, is on vacation in the states. It doesn't seem to phase Loke much though. He still eats like an elephant and runs like a hare on an overdose of coffee.

That puts me 5 miles or so closer to 800. Still a long way to go since I haven't been riding much this past week. Been so sick.

Terii

 

Rode one of my favorite rides yesterday. Coulter Bridge to Tremont (in the Great Smoky Mtns. National Park) and back.

The day was sunny, slight wind and 55 degrees. After about 5 minutes I just couldn't stand all the beauty so I got out my cellphone and took this picture of the scenery.



BEAUTIFUL!!!! I had not ridden since Monday so my legs were in good shape and ready to go. I purposely kept a slower pace even though my legs said push it. What my legs forgot is from the start to the turn around point (17 miles later), it is almost ALL up a very slight grade. This ride follows the Little River UP to the Smokies.

I went through Townsend and headed into the park. Once I got into the park, the temperature dropped as the river was bigger, and I was in the shade. Headed up to the top of Tremont and when I got off my bike it was only 48 degrees. Here is what it looked like.



Great ride. Was going 24 mph out of the park!!

 

Looks like a lovely ride, Jon!

Terii