My Most Recent Ride 2013 (Part VI in a series)

Went for a short ride today. 4.85 miles.

Loke spent the entire last night and most of this morning being a HUGE pain in the rump. Even woke me up at 1 am and wasn't interested in the walk I dragged us out for.

So, I decided that any measly little walk that I might offer wouldn't be enough to settle him. So, in spite of a persistent, low-grade cold and chill, wet weather with threat of rain, out we went.

I felt great and Loke tried his best to run like a mad dog. I fought to keep our pace 'reasonable' (10 mph or less). I think the fact he tried to drag the trike faster with all his strength might have aggravated his arthritis because the last mile or so, he started moving a little funny.

Still was nice to get out. The rain held off and it's humid enough the gusty winds felt nice. Uppsala is awash with autumn colors which made me smile.

Hopefully, I'll shake this cold soon so I can start adding proper rides to the Loke 'toodles'. This cold is wrecking my mileage.

Terii

P.S. Working on another blog post covering the sightseeing day in the Dordogne region of France. Lots and lots of photos which is one reason it's taking me so long. Hard to CRAM them all in.

 

Another short ride today. 4.53 miles since Jens bugged me to take the furball for a run.

Worrying so much about what cycling might be doing to Loke has been putting me off riding. Jens doesn't seem to understand how much it really does weigh on my mind.

Other than that it's an absolutely gorgeous day. Clear blue skies, light breezes and intense colors on many of the trees and about 50 F. A perfect example of autumn.

Terii

 

Took the VKHi out yesterday for its maiden voyage. The tweaks have made it perfect with the brake handles in just the right spot to give me two nice handgrips. One below the brakes where I can move the bar end shifters with the heel of my hand, and one grip above the brake levers to let me stretch my arms out in the more traditional superman position.

Kept it easy as this was also the first ride since my surgery. A bit squirrelly at first, it has been a while since I have been on a highracer. Settled down nicely after about 30 minutes. 33 miles of mostly flat a few hills. I didn't attack them, took it easy on the climb. Overall about 15 mph average. Easy to see how well the bike rolls, 33 mph coasting down a slight hill while the fella I am riding with is killing it trying to keep up.

I can't wait to be back in form so I can unleash this beast!

 

Grats on getting back into the saddle, Ward! It sounds like it went well.

Feeling a bit bummed about October to far. Just 4 rides or so in 3 weeks. Part of it has been apathy, the other part has been fighting a cold. It finally got me though. Hopefully I'll be rid of the symptoms soon. Having 3 weeks of sniffles and irritated throat before the cold even really hit has been annoying.

Terii

 

Good to see you are riding again Ward. I've spent most of the summer chasing your mileage on BikeJournal, only for you to post a few more miles everytime I got close, then suddenly you stopped posting. You'll be pleased to know I've only just overtaken you so I expect I'll doing the chasing again real soon Hope you get back up to full fitness asap
Adrian

 

That sounds pretty cool that you have found a nice bike that gets you out again. The question now is how is your eye?

 

The eye is doing well Serenity and thanks for asking. I am going to stay away from any big hills at least for a while to limit the amount of straining.

Way to get out there Adrian, We will see if I can catch you or not. Competition is good. And look at A.D. Getting out there, looks like he and Gary/Maxairedale are both going to break a thousand. Terii is way up on miles for the year but looks like she needs some encouragement if she is going to break a thousand miles with winter looming.

Way to get out there and ride people!

 

A quick afternoon ride on the VKHI. Flat down and out route, I am still not hitting it too hard but MAN does this bike want to fly! 15.5 miles with a 19.7 mph average and that was on a MUP with lots of slowing down for dog walkers and kids.
http://www.strava.com/activities/91123717

Serenity, you need somebody to ride with. Nothing makes sure I get out to ride than telling someone I am going to meet them!

 

Good job Ward, glad to see you're able to go again. A new bike always gives us more motivation! The cold weather is sure not helping me get out there though.

 

I must admit that I love riding in the cold. I have learned how to dress right over the years. It helps that recumbents give you the luxury of space to carry more clothes or a place to put the layers you take off. With luck Sunday will be a 50+ miler.

 

Yeah, I know...but hard to find time right now. However, we are headed into our off season and so I will probably start putting in some ride then.

 

Went out for a ride today. Just the 3rd of the month unless there's one I forgot about lurking on my GPS.

This month has been wet and wet and more wet. Between that and the cold that just will not DIE, my miles are hurting. Finally shook the cold enough to take Loke and I out for a river loop. 4.01 miles. My 100th ride of the year.

50 F, kinda sunny with a bit of thin clouds here and there and really no wind to speak of.

The month with so little exercise has killed me. Or at least my fitness. Those 4 measly little miles left my legs burning. I haven't had muscle pain like that during and after a ride since spring 2012 after the last winter with only the Trice which couldn't do the snow and ice.

If I haven't relapsed with the cold and depending on the weather tomorrow, I may go out again. I think its supposed to be raining again.

Terii

 

Went out Sunday with Betty, she rode her Eliptigo while I went out on the VKHi. Beautiful day, lots of people on the rail trail but once I was past them I was able to open her up. 19.2 mph until I caught back up to Betty coming in. Rode the last two miles with her. She ended up with 11 tough miles in the wind on that beast while I finished with an even 20.

 

Good job..and good for Betty. Nice that you Gus can get out and do things together in this great weather.

 

FINALLY got out to ride. I have been on vacation for two weeks and away from my bent. So it was a beautiful day and off I went.

Only did 15.2 miles because my legs started cramping. Plus I am still have sever jet lag overcoming the 6 hour difference and 22 hour trip back home on Sunday.

Hope to get out more now while the weather is cool and sunny!!!