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

0 F?

I've only been out in 0 to sub-0 F temps a few times, but never on the trike, just snow-shoes. While it can get that cold in this part of Sweden, it hasn't been very common since I moved here. I have a bigger problem with the limited day-light. We've got less than 6 hours between sunrise and sunset right now and it's weak when it is there, so less than 3 hours of good ride time if I want to see what's around me. Limits my range to about 10 miles between that and the snow slowing me down.

My temp limit is about 23 F (-5 C) if it's calm and 25 F if it's windy. Below that and my shoe-covers are next to useless.

Terii

 

What a roller coaster of a day!

We had higher temperatures this morning than yesterday's. Though clouds had rolled in and snow was falling thick, I couldn't resist the idea of attempting a countryside ride a short distance from home. Just a quick 10 mile loop which would take me past 2 churches and at least 1 runestone. That distance would also have put me within striking distance of 800 miles for the year.

The weather deteriorated by the time we reached the church. The snow, barely frozen, was driven down from the sky by 30 mph winds. Wind which had been lacking here, I might add. Still, we'd made the drive, I was willing to try.

My determination was short-lived. In spite of multiple layers of wool at 35 F temps, the wind ripped warmth away. The final blow came when I went to take a photo of the starting church only to discover the 'fresh' battery I'd put in my camera before leaving was dead as a doornail. Cold AND no photos? Pppft. Forget that. I was going home.

I still went out for a short ride around here with Loke. It was brutal and not so much because of road conditions and weather. I guess my body needs a rest day for the muscles to repair and build up.

Felt sorry for Loke. He was half crazed with the desire to run and I just had no strength to push our speed up above 7 mph. 5.5 miles. With tomorrow being a rest day and more snow coming, I don't think I'll be making the 800. It's teasing me so! Dangling just out of reach.

Terii

 

1 mile. That is all I need to break 800 miles for the year.

In spite of how much yesterday's ride hurt, my conscience wouldn't let me be with those 11 miles. I also yearned for something other than 'River Loop again today' to put in my blog.

The weather looked better in the area of the failed loop to the east, so I chucked everything into the car to make the drive with Loke.

Less wind, but it was raining when I arrived. 38 F. In the shelter of the car, I waffled for a bit. Finally, I decided to just go for it, rain or not.

10.07 miles. 6 miles of it was on ice sheets. 3 of it was as slick as faintly rippled glass with a thick film of oil. Power poles were reflected in the milky white surface like amusement park mirrors. Parts of that we were doing less than 2 mph, creeping along as I fought to keep the trike on a straight course. Part of the reason I was able to was because Loke had no traction either. He looked a bit freaked out. Kept giving me bug-eyed looks as if to say, 'Are you crazy??' as he tottered along with his feet going in every direction.

I dressed okay for the weather in spite of the rain. The only problem I had was hands and feet. My gloves might be windstoppers, but I think wet reduced the effectiveness. My shoe covers don't seem to do too much for me. I think the problem is the wind cuts right through the soles of the shoes.

Any hoo, tomorrow, I can head out for the shortest loop possible and still break 800 for the year! Yay!!!!

Photos in my blog coming soon!

 

Good job Terri, You are a brave one !

 

I had my second ride on my sprint today my overprotective saint of a wife was worried the whole time I was gone. Second ride since bypass 7.5 miles in 31 minutes heart rate only reached 113 felt good I am just easing back into it. Its been 48 days since surgery and I feel great. Weather was 44f but wind was blowing 10to 20 mph but the SUN was shinning. I feel like I was in a tropical paradise compared to Sweden.

 

Brick!!!!

 

Congratulations on your steady recovery! Already you're faster than I am even when I don't take my husky with me. As for the tropical paradise, normally 44 F at this time of year would be. I find it disturbing that the mid-east part of Sweden was only 6 degrees cooler than NC's 44 F! :

Another ride this morning. That makes 4 consecutive days for me. Can't remember the last time I did that!

There was no question of going out to get that last mile even though I was suffering a low grade migraine and my left calf muscle was a rock hard knot thanks to the lingering effects of a charlie horse that woke me last night.

It's done though! With 2.8 miles to spare! Parts of the roads and paths were horrible, mostly because of said migraine. The worst dirt road with potholes and washboarding would have been smoothing sailing compared to the more icy sections. Riding the trike over it was like being on 3 independent pogo sticks going every which way.

The good news is I've got the 800 miles out of the way and the ride loosened the muscle in my leg. The bad news? I have ice picks driving into my brain. the headache did not respond well to the bouncing.

Still working on the blog though I think I'm just going to curl up and whimper for a while.

Terii

 

I made a liar of myself. Rather than laying down, I finished the post on the blog (last of 2012) and NOW I'm going to go curl up with a pillow over my head.

A few nice photos. Enjoy!

http://terii.wordpress.com/

Terii

 

Glad you made your target - Happy New Year.
Adrian

 

Terii,

on making your 800 miles this year. Now you have a good goal to beat next year!

 

Congratulations terii I just got back from riding 12 miles the temp got up to 49f it was overcast but the wind had died down so I figured I would go ride off some of what I will consume tonight at the new years party my wife is taking me to. I love to see pictures of Loki. My wife and I ride Harleys together with the local Harley owners chapter and we are gone so much we can't have a dog so I envy your companion. I am enjoying my sprint I am still adjusting on the seat and steering arms. I am back working so my rides are around my little town and not out in the beautiful countryside like yours. Ride safe and happy new year. Brick

 

I haven't biked in weeks, and might not bike for more weeks. Too much snow and ice for 2 wheels. 2012 total 1549 miles.