Morning Ride Stats
Distance: 14.80 miles
Time: 01:15:00
Terrain: Road: Rolling
Bike: Fuji Sandblaster SX XC Mtn
Club: 2010 TerraTrike Car-Free Challenge
Weather Conditions: 7:30 – 9:15a: 54F, overcast. Chipmunk index was a 3, but felt like a 4.
Morning Ride
I extended my commuter ride a bit today from 11.6 miles to 14.8 miles. I’m inching up to the 16 mile commute, which is the farthest commute I’ve ever done. As I recall, last time I tried that, it was maybe my second or third ride of the season, and I had to take the rest of the week off because my muscles were so pissed. This time, I’m working my way up.
Today’s pace was casual because I had a new challenge. I had to carry some camera equipment to work in a pretty big case – maybe 8″ x 16″ x 24″. Weight wasn’t the problem … it was the bulk and how to strap it to my fairly small rack. Somehow, i managed with 3 bungee cords and by stuffing my lunch and work clothes into the case as well. Then I realized I had nothing bright-colored on to get drivers’ attention. So I stuck a piece of neon colored paper I found in my car onto the back by slipping it under one of the taught cords.
The ride home should feel a little more natural without the extra weight … just hoping the rain comes and goes before then. I’m noticing that inclines which I used to strain to surmount are starting to seem easy!
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Evening Ride Stats
Distance: 14.80 miles
Time: 01:10:00
Terrain: Road: Rolling
Bike: Fuji Sandblaster SX XC Mtn
Club: 2010 TerraTrike Car-Free Challenge
Weather Conditions: 3:50 – 5p: 50F, raining. Chipmunk index was a surprising 1.
Evening Ride
Wet!
I like riding in the rain. Being out there without a car reminds me that we’re not meant to live sheltered lives. Having shelter is a good thing, clearly, but we tend to stick to it like it’s the real deal and “outside” is just a vacation spot only to be enjoyed under certain conditions.
To me, the rain feels clean and fresh, and it makes the air so nice to breathe – a natural filter. Now I’m home, I’m dry, I’m warming up by the fire, and I’m remembering that the hills seemed flatter today. My legs are feeling strong and powerful. I really like the way we can see and feel changes in the body. I’m also doing Yoga to work on flexibility, and I think it’s starting to pay off as well.