Monday, January 13, 2014

The Day After

There was early morning frost and I was in no hurry to get out. Forecasters predicted warmer temps and lighter winds but you know how that goes. It was 10:30 when I finally got out. The first few miles my legs reminded me of yesterday's workout. The sun was shining and the Weather Gods were smiling. Temps climbed into the 60's and winds under 10 mph, Nice!  I even rode without gloves. It was a great day to wash those Winter Blues away. Today's 35 mile ride ended with 45. I love it when it all comes together.



Sunday, January 12, 2014

Pilgrimage Birthday Ride

It finally stopped raining, the snow has melted and the sun was to shine. With temps in the 40's and in spite of high winds I embarked on my annual pilgrimage birthday ride. Riding my age. Something of a right of passage since age 50. Every year it becomes a greater challenge, especially battling January weather here in the northeast. Today's gusty winds in excess of 20 mph made the mid 40's feel like 30's. There were times on the flats I couldn't push past 8 mph. Crosswinds proved quite the challenge.in maintaining an upright position. Although forecaster promised bright sunshine it didn't come out until 40 miles into the ride. All these adversities proved useless against my determination. I can once again shout,
I DID IT!!!
Flooded fields

Windy






Finally Sun


I DID IT!!!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Having A Tough Time.

The weather has been a roller-coaster ride ranging from arctic cold and blizzard like snow to Spring time rain. I couldn't take another day cooped up indoors. Early morning temps were a balmy 57 degrees but with heavy rains. The warm rains washed most of the past snow away. By noon the rains diminished and I thought I had a shot for a ride. Temps had dropped a bit to 50 so a short sleeve shirt, my new jacket and vest seemed appropriate. The Greenway is the perfect platform to tackle big puddles and curbside snow and ice. Of course, 2 miles into the ride light drizzle began again. I couldn't bear to turn back and figured a little warm rain wouldn't hurt me. Well that little drizzle changed to light cold rain as the temps continued to fall. I was hoping to do more than the 15 miles but the winds increased by 10 as the temps dropped by 10. By the time I got home temps dropped to 35, winds well over 20 and freezing rain was falling. Tomorrow promises sunshine with single digit temps and winds over 20.
Don't you just love it.

New jacket and vest

Melting snow

Rain

More rain

More rain and big puddles

Freezing rain

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year



2013 Stats

Year                               2013      2012       2011      2010      2009      2008     2007


Total miles                      6900      6169       4714     5354      3185      2861      3328

Total rides                        220        199         159       183        126        108        109

Average speed                 10.4        11           11         10           11          11         11

Average miles per ride       31         31           30         30           25          27         31

Bikejournal standing          254      460         829        655       1643     1968     1516

Bentrider standing              10        13          24          17            49          76         76

Mileage Breakdown                  

Stratus                             4557      2105

ICE T                               1390      1552

Greenway                          821      2445

Fuji                                    132         57