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Post by vita77 on Nov 13, 2005 14:33:13 GMT -5
Just want to see how many of us are here (besides me and Cyclegoddess)! Do you ride in the winter? I do...here in NC, riding year-round is easy. A bit chilly this morning at 8:30, though (35 degrees), and of course, in our weird NC climate, it was 70 degrees when I finished. It's awfully hard to maintain fashionista standards through three layers of everything. Especially when you're peeling off a layer every 10 or 12 miles  . |
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Post by xenagoddess on Nov 13, 2005 14:48:43 GMT -5
I ride but probably not anything like you all do. Mostly for pleasure and exercise around the city.
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Post by cyclegoddess on Nov 13, 2005 15:16:47 GMT -5
Wahoo!!! a cycling thread, LOL. ;D
The last 2-3 years I've gradually ridden later into the year and earlier in the spring. The hardest thing I struggle with is the lack of light. I've finally gotten a decent wardrobe of cold weather gear and lights/reflective stuff, but its a drag. However, I also got an indorr trainer (CycleOps). Thats a decent workout, but so intolerably boring to me, its pushed me to ride later into the season.
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Post by katelight on Nov 13, 2005 15:37:39 GMT -5
I am a fair weather rider. Here in Iowa the cold starts early and lasts long into the spring. I just came back to riding a bike this year so I have a long way to go to become an official cyclist. I look forward to reading about your ideas on training, and safety. A big issue here is wind along with the cold.
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Post by vita77 on Nov 13, 2005 19:25:34 GMT -5
I just bought a CycleOps trainer, too. It's quite a workout (especially with the free Chris Carmichael video), but you're right....it's BORING.
This time of year I have to curtail my bike commuting and my after-work rides, because it gets dark too early. I haven't yet invested in lights. But I still get in one, and sometimes two, weekend rides.
My fave is a standing Sunday brunch ride. It's just an excuse to socialize and eat, really. It's amazing how much motivation there is to get up early and bundle up in 30-degree weather, just to earn 10 APs for a guilt-free brunch.
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Post by timber on Nov 14, 2005 18:59:00 GMT -5
I also am a fair weather bike rider. I've had 2 knee replacements and people can't believe I ride a bike. The doctor says its good for my knees, even hills. (As long as I don't fall off the bike)
My DH and I have done some bike trip vacations. Two years ago we went on an inn to inn ride in Vermont in June. Fabulous!!
Last year for some reason I didn't even get the bikes out of the basement. Come spring we'll be back at it.
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Post by xenagoddess on Nov 22, 2005 19:26:48 GMT -5
I went for a great bike ride today. About 8 miles along the ocean and around a lake by our house. It felt great! I have missed exercise so much these past few weeks. I also did yoga on Monday and that was equally devine.
I might need a new bike someday...any suggestions. I mostly road ride but occassionlly go off road.
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Post by vita77 on Jan 15, 2006 14:59:58 GMT -5
OK, winter cyclists. I set a new temperature record today. It was 34 and gusty when I set out this morning. Provided you've got the right gear on, it makes for an exhilarating ride! Anyone else out & about in January? Or are you all waiting to emerge from your cocoons in spring? |
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Post by danaka on Jan 16, 2006 19:20:28 GMT -5
That's me, in my cocoon waiting for spring! I live in Massachusetts and the streets and sidewalks are covered in ice. I go to the gym and ride the stationary bikes there and dream of the wind in my hair. I am planning my annual bike trip to Marthas Vineyard, we always go Memorial Day Weekend.
Kathy
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Post by xenagoddess on Jan 19, 2006 20:17:24 GMT -5
Okay...I need a new bike. Any suggestions. I mostly city ride with some stuff in the park.
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Post by vita77 on Jan 20, 2006 14:42:15 GMT -5
Xena, just go to your local bike shop and try some bikes. Forgive me if this is too basic for you, but there are 3 main choices: - Mountain bike - fat, knobby tires & upright handlebars - optimized for comfort and stability on any surface
- Road bike - thin road tires & dropped handlebars - optimized for road performance
- Hybrid - thin road tires & upright handlebars - compromise between comfort & performance
For city road rides and park rides on paved surfaces, you can use any of the three. If you want to ride on gravel or other rough surfaces, look at mountain bikes. If you do a fair amount of road riding, get a hybrid or a road bike. I love my hybrid for tooling around and for commuting. It was my first bike (as an adult), and I still ride it at least weekly. It's a Specialized Sirrus: www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?minisite=10085&spid=9620My road bike is a Trek Pilot: www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/road/pilot50.jspIt has more of an upright riding geometry than a traditional road bike, which gives me a bit more comfort at the expense of a bit of speed. Just ride a few bikes at the shop, and you'll start to hone in on what feels best, and what's right for your budget. Shops vary in what makes they carry, but Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Giant, Klein, and LeMond, among others, all make fine bikes. A good bike shop person will try to find out what you need, and won't try and sell you extras. DON'T buy a bike at Wal-Mart...you need a professional fit, and the ongoing service you'll only get at a bike shop. It will probably take multiple visits over a number of months to make your bike perfect for you, and they'll help you with that. Have fun! And fire away if I can help further. |
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Post by xenagoddess on Jan 20, 2006 15:22:48 GMT -5
You rock! Thank you.
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Post by divemaster on Jan 22, 2006 12:33:04 GMT -5
Hi,
I am a big cyclist. Did a century with my husband in September on our tandem (our first!) My combined miles on tandem and my own bike was just over 1600 miles. Nice to meet you. My other favorite sports are Scuba Diving and walking.
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Post by vita77 on Feb 28, 2006 7:56:57 GMT -5
It's nearly spring! My cycling team's season opener training ride is Saturday. A civilized 12 noon start, a 21-mile flat ride, a forecast balmy 53 degrees, and a bit of winetasting afterward. Can't wait.
I've been commuting to work about once a week by bike. This Thursday, our predicted high is 75 degrees, so I'll definitely be leaving my car at home. Beats the heck out of two Sundays ago, when I rode out at 9 am in 25 degree temps. That's our weird NC weather for you.
Who else is out there biking?
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Post by katelight on Feb 28, 2006 8:36:05 GMT -5
I'm jealous Vita. I won't be able to start riding here for another few weeks. Partly work schedule, partly weather. Even though we've had a very mild winter for the most part. Many days warm up to about 25 degrees. Add snow and ice and that makes no biking for me. I am looking forward to being able to get out and about in the next few weeks though as it gets lighter and lighter in the evening. Enjoy your ride and wine this weekend.
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