Nothing New

Just kind of an average ride. I did a few things different, just to mix the route up a little. The ice on the lakes is getting dark, almost black. I'm sure it will be out in another week or so.
It was cold, but the bike felt great. I enjoy all my bikes, but the Orbea is the one that fits me and rides exactly the way I want it. 43/17.5

Wet

Cold and wet coffee ride today, so just made it out to Wayzata and back. 35/17.5

Solo Century With A Surprise

Did my first official century of the year today. Took off on roads that I'd never been on by myself before. I was really just trying to learn a good route out to Afton. I basically followed the route I was on, with friends last week, but did it backwards. It was cool. I followed the Mississippi River from Lake Street all the way through St. Paul out to Woodbury. I headed East on Military Rd and that took me to the St. Croix River out by Afton Alps. Then I just pointed the Orbea North went down some screamin' descents, and maxing out my speed at 40mph. Got into Stillwater with about 50 miles of rubber off my tires. I stopped at a gas station and got some Gatorade, a Rice Krispie Treat, and a Baby Ruth candy bar. Some lady had locked her keys in her son-in-laws truck, and she was waiting for her daughter to bring another set of keys, so we talked for awhile.

I continued to head North out of Stillwater into some nice rural areas. It's was very scenic with lots of pine trees, rolling hills, and lots and lots of birds to listen to. It was almost noisy. I guess now that it's Spring those birds have got one thing on their minds, and they're letting everybody know. It was delightful. I saw rivers, lakes, egrets, hawks, and wild turkeys.

One of my goals this year was to do a solo century at a 20 mph average speed or better. I figured I'd do it some time in June. Well, when I went through my cycling computer readings at the end of my ride today I had ridden 100 miles at exactly a 20 mph average speed. A cool surprise!

I really wasn't trying. Like I said, I was just trying to learn the route out to Afton, for myself. I was hoping to come in with a 19+ mph average. As the ride progressed I obviously got more tired, so I wasn't even feeling like I'd get in a 19 mph average.

So you want to know my secret weapon? I guess there are two. Don't shave your legs (think Sampson), and I will swear by Gatorade, Rice Krispie Treats, and Baby Ruth bars. 100/20.0

WTF

Monday we get 8 inches of snow. Four days later I get caught in a rain, thunder, and lightning storm. What kind of place do I live in?

Took the white De Rosa ss out today for a quick easy spin. I'm really enjoying that bike. I've got the gear ratio perfect, where I can handle small hills, and still get it up to 25mph without my legs going invisible.

Got parts in for the blue De Rosa today. I think I'll spend my Friday night getting dirty doing some frame fondling. I'll put pics up in a day or two. I still don't have a saddle so, it may be several days before the bike is ready for it's debut.

Nice Friday ride today, even though I got wet. At least I could see, and keep my eyes open. 25/14.1

First 300 Mile Week - Actually 303

What a nice end to my first 300 mile week of the season. With a six inch snow storm on Monday, I was a little worried about getting in 300 miles, but 92 miles on Saturday helped out a lot. Rode with a couple of my favorite teammates this evening, and enjoyed every minute of it. We rode the Birchwood Women's route. Don't tell anyone, it's suppose to be a secret, from the guys. Temps in the 50's, light winds, and nice riding companions sure made this an enjoyable evening ride. 45/18.3

Faster And Farther For Less

Did my usual Bloomington hill ride tonight, but solo. Added some miles on to the end, and went up on Cedar Lake Trail. Lots of people on the trails. I feel strong, but am at my limit. All my rides the last couple of weeks have been tough, which is typical for this time of year. It's been at least 4 months since I rode this much, or this fast. I am getting stronger and losing weight. I was at 177.4 last Friday, which is down a pound from the week before. I'm sure I'll be down another pound or two this Friday. 40/17.0

I Can See Again

No snow in the eyes or on the glasses today. I was actually surprised that the roads and trails were in such good shape. I went out on my cx, but would have been just fine on a road bike.
Just did a nice easy 40 on the greenway around the lakes and over along the Mississippi. 39/16.0

It's official, I HATE SNOW!