This Ride: 24.9 miles
Month: 123.3 miles
2011: 583.4 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,703.1 miles
Two days off the bike. That’s not the way it is supposed to work. This is my fewest weekly miles on the bike since mid-July last year when I was sick for a week. Yes it was cold. Yes it had a dusting of snow. Yes work was overwhelming with very long hours and late nights, but are those really legitimate excuses? It is what it is. Consistency is the key to getting the miles in. Just showing up counts for a lot.
I might not have ridden this morning had there not been an interview set up by a journalist who wanted to know about winter riding. She planned to meet us at Hard Bean Cafe and Bookstore for a group photo and then a sit down interview with those who could stay and talk. Eight of us met up at the Rusty Bridge in 16°F temps under a clear, cold sky. This is the coldest temperatures I’ve ridden in. (Although my Garmin recorded 16, I saw it read 13 once, and another rider had 12 on his bike computer.) We pushed off a little late, and got to Annapolis about 6-8 minutes later than usual. Along the way Chip cut the ride short and missed the photo op. After the photo Mike went on to Chick & Ruth’s and Clif and Bill headed back home for something called “work”. That left Clint, Bryan, Dan, and I for the interview.
We lingered, chatted, and had a good time talking about SPP and winter riding. The reporter/writer, Ann Brennan had seen our members out all winter and got curious. She pitched the story to The Capital and they are willing to consider it. She is an athlete herself, running marathons, cycling, and trying out a variety of sports and writing about them. Her blog is Ann’s Running Commentary. She is very interested in joining SPP and riding some rides with us.
We lingered and talked until much later than usual. After saying our farewells, we climbed back onto the bikes and faced the very cold first few miles. I actually started shivering before my heart rate climbed enough to warm me up. We rode back on Highway 2 at Clint’s suggestion. I think he wanted to do the rollers. Both he and Bryan were on fixies. I arrived home about 30 minutes later than usual for a Friday.
A large group of SPP riders are doing a Permanent 200k tomorrow. Most have their bikes tuned up and ready to go. It will be good to hear their stories.
I’ll be starting to shop for a new saddle today. The one that came with my bike is beginning to separate in the front half. I’m told that Bike Doctor has some they loan out for people to try before they buy. Now there’s one more example of the value of a local bike shop vs. the internet. I’ll buy one from them just because I can try before I buy. It’s worth a few dollars more.
I just checked the SPP mileage challenge chart for January. Seventeen riders have logged their miles. I ranked 6th in total miles ridden for January. (That very well could change once some other riders submit their miles.)
This Ride: 21.5 miles
Month: 98.4 miles
2011: 558.5 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,678.2 miles
Ten degrees warmer today for the 5:45 ride. Nice. (Tomorrow’s forecast, should be 23 degrees colder.)
Once again, 5 riders met up at the Rusty Bridge for a ride in a balmy 39°F. I dropped a layer and chose lighter gloves. I was still warm. The roads were wet although the rain had stopped. Dan and I were pariahs, since neither of us saw fit to attach our fenders this morning. I never rode behind Dan, but did catch a lot of water from tires of those who had fenders.
The mood of the group was spirited, but the pace was pretty comfortable. We chose the route we ride the most, all the way to the south end of the trail. This is the first we’ve ridden this full route in quite some time. We hit only one spot with ice on the trail, causing at least 3 of us to nearly crash, because the ice was hidden under dirt and leaf debris. Some parts of the southern end of the trail have branches that extend over the pavement, so we still needed to remain vigilant. Early in the ride I saw an owl glide over our path. It was a nice morning to be out.
The earlier and earlier light is a treat too. By the time we were crossing Robinson Road on the way back, we had no more need for our lights (other than to be seen). Just as we approached Truck House Road, while Clint was riding over a section of road destroyed by heavy equipment, he punctured a tire which immediately went flat. He changed the tire with mud all around. It is a good thing he had latex gloves. The tire had a large enough hole in the sidewall to require a boot.
Lori is starting to be very familiar with the routines. When I arrived home some 10-15 minutes later than usual, she asked, “Who flatted?”
This Ride: 19.7 miles
Month: 76.9 miles
2011: 537.2 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,656.7 miles
It was a late night with the Super Bowl and the party we went to. The alarm seemed very early, I had little energy, so I decided to roll over and go back to sleep. But then, on automatic pilot, I got out of bed, got ready, and with very little enthusiasm rolled down the road to the Rusty Bridge for the 5:45 ride. It was looking like I was going to be the only rider, which meant that I had a decision to make. Do I ride or do I go home and go back to bed? At 5:44 Dan arrived, with little fanfare and he too indicated that he thought he might be the only one out this morning. Just as we were ready to push off, there were lights behind us. Clint, Dave, and Bryan pulled up, we pushed off and soon met Chip. We went from one to 6 in no time. In short order Chip left the group to go home, saying he didn’t feel well.
The mood was subdued. There wasn’t a lot of conversation (other than Dave). We rode the regular route avoiding the south end of the trail. Dan says it is a mess, full of debris, ice and mud. No one pushed the pace (except I went fast on the one stretch I like to go fast on). We did spot a fox crossing our path near the end of the ride. It is nice to finish the ride in daylight.
This was one of those mornings we simply grind out the miles and ride because it is what we do. I’m glad they are not all like this.
Warm feet are happy feet
I’ve learned a lot about cold weather riding this winter. A year ago, my temperature lower limit for cycling was 50°F. I arrived at this limit in one simple way. My feet were too cold to ride at temperatures below this. I rode a couple of rides below 50, and when I got home, my large toes were numb. As I walked across the hardwood floors of my home in stocking feet, it felt like my large toe was continually dropping into a hole in the floor. That rule worked fine last spring when I wasn’t riding very much.
My miles increased over the summer, and as I approached the fall, I was determined not to quit riding because of the cold. As the temperature dropped, I learned to adapt and am now quite comfortable in temperatures down to 15-20°F. I know some ride in colder temperatures, but this is my realm of experience.
Here is what I learned this fall and winter.
- Keep a clothing log. I set up an Excel spreadsheet listing every 5 degrees between 70°F and 15°F marking down what clothing items worked at those temperatures. This results in a valuable chart to which I can refer based on the temperatures for the conditions in which I’m riding. Update the chart based on what is comfortable for you.
- Between 55° and 50°F, I need to block the air vents in my cycling shoes in order to keep my feet warm. I use a pair of wool socks and a Louis Garneau T-Cover shoe cover. This is enough to block the wind, and helps keep my feet warm.
On a very long ride at 60°F, I also might use these covers, because as energy level drops, it is important to keep warm. - When the temperatures are in the 40°s F, these covers are not quite warm enough. In this temperature range, I use a more substantial cover, the Louis Garneau Thermal Seal. This is a cover that has a full shoe and ankle cover profile, blocking the wind from the entire foot and ankle.
When I purchased these, I hoped they would be sufficient for the entire winter. - Below 40°F, it is time for me to add toe warmers. These are chemical devices designed to work in the low oxygen environment of the shoe, and are specifically shaped for keeping toes warm. (A trick: There is a tendency to orient these with the round part of the warmer toward the toes, but this doesn’t cover very many toes. Orient them more laterally, like this:)
Alternatively, at these temperatures, a hand warmer can be placed on top of the shoes and under the shoe covers. This adds a layer of warmth. - When the temperatures are below 40°F, I resort to my “go-to” shoe covers. This year they are the Gore Windstoppers. These are thicker, and not only block the wind, but also hold heat in pretty well.
I really like them. They have a strong zipper and a hook and eye tab at the top to take the stress off of the zipper. I’ve worn these more than any other shoe cover this winter. - At 30°F (or thereabouts) and below, toe warmers AND hand warmers on top of the shoes are combined to provide the necessary warmth which takes me down to about 20°F. Beyond that, I don’t have enough experience to have any suggestions.
- On very long rides I might use a full sole foot warmer in addition to the other chemical warmers. Comfortably warm feet make these rides much more comfortable.
- One important hint: You can get at least 2 and sometimes 3 uses out of a chemical warmer by placing them in a zip-lock bag, evacuating the air, and storing them (I put them in the refrigerator but that is probably not necessary). They are oxygen activated, so as they consume the oxygen, they will eventually become inert. Exposing them to air will re-activate them. Hand warmers have a much longer life than the toe warmers. Of course, I buy them in bulk.
The point of this is that one doesn’t need to suffer through cold feet. Some use winter riding shoes, but I’ve resisted making that investment this winter. Those who do don’t have such temperature-sensitive decisions to make.
Like I said at the beginning, warm feet are happy feet.
This Ride: 25 miles
Month: 57.1 miles
2011: 517.3 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,637 miles
This morning it was 26°F when Dan, Bryan, Bob C, Mike, Chip, and I met up at the Rusty Bridge for our Friday Breakfast Ride. We again rode the winter route since there remains real problem spots on the trail. Bob is really trying to get back on the bike regularly and his fitness level is pretty low, so we had a slower than usual pace to start. Bob bailed in Arnold, choosing to return home rather than continuing on to Annapolis. We picked up Bill just before Old County Road, so with the additions and departures it was a challenge keeping track who was with us in the dark.
Mike split off and went to Chick & Ruth’s to meet up with his friends. The rest of us went to Hard Bean where we were met by Clint and later joined by Jeff who both arrived by car. Conversation was lively. The sunrise was spectacular.
The return trip was quicker, really testing my current limits for speed and heart rate. It was tougher for me this morning since I had a physical scheduled for 9 am and had been asked to have no food after midnight for fasting blood work. (That’s why this was a coffee ride for me.) I do enjoy these rides.
The Dr. appointment was great. Blood Pressure was fantastic. The Dr. continues to be impressed with my overall health and is fascinated by the cycling routine and changes I’ve accomplished. Two years ago I was 35 lbs heavier, had high blood pressure and cholesterol levels high enough to be a near emergency. Sleep apnea kept me tired all the time. None of these are issues today. Much of that is due to cycling.
Now, time to make some decisions about whether or not to ride a 200k in February, and if so, where and when.
This Ride: 20.1 miles
Month: 32.1 miles
2011: 492.2 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,611.9 miles
The groundhog has spoken. Spring is just around the corner. It is time to be out on the bike, riding outside. If one waits for spring to arrive, you will be behind the curve.
I was however, apprehensive about the route conditions this morning. Yesterday, the temperatures hit 50°F melting snow and causing water to flow freely across the streets. This morning it was 29°F, and all that water turned to slick sheets of ice. I wasn’t sure just how much ice we would encounter. Dave, Dan, Chip, and I met at the RB and set out with caution, Chip on the fixie. The first part of the ride was slow. We were being careful, and it felt like I was waiting for the others along the route, they rode about 40 yards or more behind me. That all changed at the turn around point.
Dan took the lead and ground out a steady, quicker pace into a stiff headwind. The ice was really no worse than most winter days, and so we pressed on. There was nothing outstanding about the ride. It was a simple, normal, winter ride. I added the B&A Loop at the end (and a Jumper’s Hole loop at the beginning) just to get to 20 miles for the morning.
It is nice to see brighter skies in the morning.
This Ride: 6 miles
Month: 12 miles
2011: 472.1 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,591.8 miles
Today is Groundhog Day, the High Holy Day of Hope. It is the one day a year that one wishes for a terrible, horrible, no-good, very rotten, weather morning. If the groundhog (Punxsutawney Phil is the only legitimate contender) sees his shadow, he is scared back into his hole and predicts 6 more weeks of winter. If the day is lousy, no shadow, and Phil predicts an early spring. Phil is never wrong (although I really wonder about his handlers and interpreters some years). Fireworks are being set off to Star Wars music as I write this. Yes, I’m watching the live stream. This is important.
Our weather cooperated. It is raining, 34°F, we are on the trailing edge of the massive storm crossing the country. Within a few hours, we anticipate clearing skies and a nice day. But these are not the conditions which make a great outdoor ride. So it is back on the trainer, this time for intervals, and again for only 20 minutes. I didn’t want to miss Phil!
Not a lot of miles. Not a lot of time. Some good cardio. And a morning filled with hope.
This Ride: 6 miles
Month: 6 miles
2011: 466.1 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,585.8 miles
I could have ridden outside. The freezing rain predicted overnight never really materialized. Now that I step outside, I think it was smart to stay inside today. There is a thin coat of ice covering everything.
I could have ridden longer on the trainer. Twenty minutes is almost embarrassing. I hate the trainer.
Hey, I did some exercise, that’s gotta count for something.
This Ride: 19.6 miles
Month: 460.1 miles
2011: 460.1 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,579.8 miles
Four riders out this morning in 27°F temps. Dan & I met at the Rusty Bridge. We picked up Clif and Bryan near the Ranger Station. The route was our “Winter Route” because there is snow lying everywhere. We had some melting the past several days, but the water refreezing on the roads makes for occasional excitement. No one had ridden the Round Bay loop since the storm. We discovered it is mostly clear, with a stretch or two where snow and ice are still piled up in the road surface. The rest of the winter route was typical for winter riding.
I struggled this morning. I believe it was the popcorn I had for supper last night. It wasn’t substantial enough to have me fully fueled. I ate 1100 calories yesterday and 100 before going out this morning, and that’s just not enough to fuel a snappy ride. I want to drop about 15 lbs, but doing that while riding takes special attention.
January 2011 is in the books. Here is what I accomplished.
- 460 miles (only 21.4 on the trainer indoors)
- Second consecutive monthly 200k (this one solo)
- 16 days of riding (disappointing, includes 2 days on trainer)
- 29 hours 50 minutes of time in the saddle
- 14,173 calories burned
- 240 miles more than January 2010
- 110 miles ahead of my target pace for 8000 miles in 2011.
- Passed the 1/4 way around the world mark.
I’m looking forward to February. The weather can be tricky. Already we have storm alerts out for tomorrow and Wednesday of this week. Groundhog Day is Wednesday, signaling 6 weeks or less until spring!
This Ride: 24.6 miles
Month: 440.6 miles
2011: 440.6 miles
Cumulative Total: 6,560.3 miles
Wednesday evening, our area was hit with 8 inches of heavy, wet snow. Many in our community are without power this morning, and I’m without cable tv and internet. The traffic light near my house remains dark. Main roads are dry and clear. Side streets range from dry to wet to snow packed. Temperature this morning was 31°F. Into this, Dan, Bryan, Mike & I rode the regular breakfast ride into Annapolis.
We were hyper vigilant on the dark ride to Annapolis. Conversation was kept to a minimum, mainly calling out ice patches and other hazards. We didn’t look so much like a peloton as we did a straggly group of riders. Our spacing was generous, convinced that if the rider in front of us went down, we would be able to avoid running over them. Mike rode with studded tires, the rest of us didn’t have that advantage. We stayed on the modified winter route. I reconnoitered part of the route yesterday and determined then that Old County Road was not safe. We also avoided all parts of the trail, even though some of it had been plowed.
Breakfast was good at Chick & Ruth’s, and once again we were the object of much conversation … those crazy guys riding bikes in this weather!
The return home in daylight was easier, although we were on Highway 2 nearly all the way.
I didn’t extend my ride.
Rev Rider 