Once Again

Back to sunny and dry got me out on the fast bike. Don't think just 'cause I'm on the fast bike means that I'm going fast. 33/17.5

That Was Unpleasant

Watched a water droplet dance dangle then fall, after forming, from the bill of my cap over and over again. That was about all I saw on tonight's ride. I had my hat low to keep the rain out of my eyes and off my glasses. The Evil One's full fenders kept the skunk stripe off my back and my legs dry. A waterproof jacket kept my torso sheltered, but with temps in the upper 40's, and winds at 15-20mph out of the NE wet and cold had no problem sneaking in. Almost called it quits a couple of times, but figured a hot shower and a warm bowl of split pea soup afterwards, would be even better the more miles I cranked out.

Socks and gloves stored some of that 48 degree rain. After the ride I was able to ring out about a half cup. Go stick your hands and feet in 48 degree water, and leave them in there for two hours. Can't call that pleasant. 33/15.2

Good

As predicted my weekend was fantastic. Saw my kids, got to tickle and tease my grand kids, ate too much, got some great rides in, and I spent time with friends.
Today was for recovery. Clouds moved in as I moved out, but maybe 10 drops at most. Roads didn't even get wet. 37/16.5

While Working Today

Beautiful Easter Ride

Took the fast bike out and met up with Amy. She whole-heartedly approved of the new build. I'm lucky to have such a good friend.
Lots of talk, lots of blue sky, lots of enjoyment, with buds popping, green emerging, more leg showing, spring's hold seems to be more and more sure everyday. 50/18.6

First Hundred Of The Year

Wind was screaming out of the west today consistently blowing between 15-25 mph. Apparently that wasn't enough, gusts of 30-35 mph were also necessary.
5 showed 3 finished. Charles needed to get home a little early. He had some lame excuse. Something about needing to catch a flight for Florida that departs at 4:30 today. He's going on a cruise.
Out of the 100 miles ridden 60 were either directly into the wind or we were echelon-ing.
It was just 3 of us at 30 miles. I came out of this scenario pretty good as I was the shortest out of the 3. I'm 6 feet tall, and these boys are strong.
It was really just about watching the wheel in front of you, and taking your turn up front. The wind turned rollers into mountains. We are good cyclists, but I'd look down at my computer and see 14 mph and even 10 mph. I started to wonder if the ride would ever end.
At 50 miles we stopped to refuel. Pretty much just cross wind left. We took up 3/4 of our side of the road in our echelon formation and were now able to manage 20-21 mph. The noise in our ears was mind numbing.
Finally we came up on County Road 122, our turn east. We'd done our time, the shackles were off. 28 mph was now conversation pace, when just before 14 mph had kept us silent. We were flyin', free...felt soooo good. We could hear again, hear that beautiful sound of the tires humming on the asphalt. I sneaked a look at our average speed. It was 18.9. I felt pretty good about that, and allowed myself the thought that 20 mph was doable by the end of this effort.
BK had a light jacket on. Into the wind the front of it was plastered against him and from his shoulders back, it was flappin' like crazy, making that irritating sound. Now going 25 mph it fell silent and virtually motionless.
Started feeling those last 20 miles, even though they were wind aided. The small inclines were inflicting quad pain, and there was definitely heavy breathing going on, but we dug deep and persevered. Nobody was giving up.
We were all smiles at the end, congratulating each other, and acknowledging the hard effort. The wind didn't beat us, we didn't give in. This will be a memorable ride for me. 102/20.2

Friday Night Ride Pics

Got to do all the stuff I love today. Spun around the lakes on my fixed gear De Rosa for a few miles, took some photos, and then stopped at the bookstore and picked up a couple of new novels. Finished the day off with some hot homemade chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven. Yeah, I put some homemade vanilla ice cream on them...got kind of melty...oooohhhh yeah!
Maybe 10 miles tonight.

Clouds Over Lake Of The Isles

Sunset Over Lake Of The Isles

I'll be hanging out with the kids and grand kids on Easter. 100 miler tomorrow. This is gonna be a goooood weekend.

The Tweak Is Done

So there's no trimming mechanism on the DA 7900 front derailleur. I spent a good hour fine tuning that derailleur this afternoon. I got it so that the chain guide rubs only a little in the 12 and 11. That wasn't unusual with the 7800 either. I'm a little nit-picky when it comes to my bikes, don't like squeaks, tics, rubbing, or any noise other than the hum of the tires on the asphalt. I was very pleased with Orca's (fast bike) performance tonight.
Near 80. Downed a whole bottle of water on a 2 hour ride. Lake ice has been gone for two or three days now, but the breeze is still cool off the lakes. Just did my usual spin along the greenway, Mississippi, Minnehaha Creek and Lake Harriet, Calhoun and Isles. 37/17.2