Resumption of the longer Friday morning rides

This Ride: 53.5 miles
Month: 379.9 miles
2011: 1,311.1 miles
Total since 1/1/10: 7,430.8 miles

As spring returns to Maryland, and the temperatures start their steady increase, it is easier to extend the Friday morning breakfast ride, and this morning was a perfect day to do just that.

We had 11 riders out for the morning ride, including some who we’ve not seen for a Friday morning in quite some time (most notably Janet & Jeff).  There was an easy pace and a lot of conversation for the ride into Annapolis.  With so many riders, it took a little longer to get our food, but it was a nice time with so many around the table.  Those of us who rode all winter are really appreciative that the weather is warming and others are now coming out to ride.

Bill C & I waited until Mike B was done at Chick & Ruth’s, then we accompanied him on his commute to work and then continued the Airport loop and wound our way back into Severna Park.  Bill is a stronger rider than I am, and so I was doing a lot of “keeping up”, but it was still a lot better than riding the last part solo.  Part way back, we stopped as I stripped off the arms of my vest/jacket and switched to short fingered gloves.  It was 50°F at the start at 5:45, and by 9:00 it was about 60°.  There are a number of other riders who plan to get out today in the forecast 70°+ temperatures.  Bill also showed me another route to the B&A trail from where the trail crosses I-97.

So … a nice easy 50+ miler at a pretty reasonable pace is a nice addition to the miles.

I keep far too many stats on my ride spreadsheet, but note that I’ve got 667.5 miles the past 30 days and for the month of March I’ve already exceeded my miles for March 2010.  These stats serve to provide me encouragement and help to keep me focused as my goals revolve around them.