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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 10, 2021 21:32:54 GMT
Yikes, after returning home from a trip to Arizona, winter caught up with me; rain, snow, wind, cold, yuck!
Since I went a week without riding, today, I just had to brave the cold; making this my first winter ride of the season. Yesterday we had rain and snow; today was simply cold and miserable. Since silt and rocks were on the road, I used my old Trek that has fat cyclocross tires. Just what I built it for. My hat comes off to you folks who consistently ride in such weather; I am a wimp in the cold.
Ride Safe Jim
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Post by whippet on Dec 11, 2021 8:34:24 GMT
Nice picture though. My general rule is that I don’t ride if the bird bath in my back garden is frozen. I’ve been doing night time rides with friends for the last few weeks, a balmy 5°C and we stop off for coffee and ice cream afterwards. The good thing about them is that we are the only ones crazy enough to be out on the roads.
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 11, 2021 12:10:43 GMT
I am still riding almost every day but high temperatures are now hovering around freezing so the rides are a bit shorter. I like the bleak look of everything this time of year, very good for black and white photos. My only complaint is the amount of clothing necessary. I feel like the Michelin man.
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Dec 11, 2021 14:40:48 GMT
I am still riding almost every day but high temperatures are now hovering around freezing so the rides are a bit shorter. I like the bleak look of everything this time of year, very good for black and white photos. My only complaint is the amount of clothing necessary. I feel like the Michelin man.
Brian
I envy ( is that a sin?) you all who are riding. It was a beautiful day yesterday, probably the last for a while, but alas my “almost back” medical issues and my 45 year marriage prevented. Ah, the pitfalls of being married to critical care registered nurse! Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by wheelson on Dec 11, 2021 14:45:19 GMT
I am still riding almost every day but high temperatures are now hovering around freezing so the rides are a bit shorter. I like the bleak look of everything this time of year, very good for black and white photos. My only complaint is the amount of clothing necessary. I feel like the Michelin man.
Brian
I envy ( is that a sin?) you all who are riding. It was a beautiful day yesterday, probably the last for a while, but alas my “almost back” medical issues and my 45 year marriage prevented. Ah, the pitfalls of being married to critical care registered nurse! Best, John “wheelson” Brian, I have a collection of “reflections” photos. Permission to copy this one, with proper credit to you of course? Best, John “wheelson” |
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Jem
Viscount
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Post by Jem on Dec 12, 2021 12:33:02 GMT
I'll own up to being averse to riding in very cold conditions. I have done it in the past, but hardly at all in the last few years.
Hat's off to those of you who do it.
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 12, 2021 21:14:15 GMT
I envy ( is that a sin?) you all who are riding. It was a beautiful day yesterday, probably the last for a while, but alas my “almost back” medical issues and my 45 year marriage prevented. Ah, the pitfalls of being married to critical care registered nurse! Best, John “wheelson” Brian, I have a collection of “reflections” photos. Permission to copy this one, with proper credit to you of course? Best, John “wheelson” Of course, and no attribution necessary. FYI, this is the Charles River between the towns of Sherborn and Medfield, MA, within the Rocky Narrows Reservation, December 8, 2021.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 12, 2021 21:22:28 GMT
I'll own up to being averse to riding in very cold conditions. I have done it in the past, but hardly at all in the last few years. Hat's off to those of you who do it. Well, actually hats ON, as well as gloves, goggles, three layers top and bottom, double socks, waterproof leather shoes, and windbreaker.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 17, 2021 1:55:12 GMT
Speaking of winter riding gear, I have been using some inexpensive tights from Target (sorry, US only). They are about $30 and I like them more than my expensive bike-clothing-brand tights. The fabric is warmer but still quite stretchy. I use them over regular cycling shorts. There is a little more room in the seat, which makes them more comfortable in other critical areas as well. They have pockets, which I have not used but would be good for a phone and wallet. I have used the first pair probably 40 times and washed them about half that many times. They seem like they will last quite a while. I like them enough that I got a second pair. Here is the link in case anyone is interested:
Brian
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Post by triitout on Dec 17, 2021 3:12:39 GMT
Speaking of winter riding gear, I have been using some inexpensive tights from Target (sorry, US only). They are about $30 and I like them more than my expensive bike-clothing-brand tights. The fabric is warmer but still quite stretchy. I use them over regular cycling shorts. There is a little more room in the seat, which makes them more comfortable in other critical areas as well. They have pockets, which I have not used but would be good for a phone and wallet. I have used the first pair probably 40 times and washed them about half that many times. They seem like they will last quite a while. I like them enough that I got a second pair. Here is the link in case anyone is interested:
Brian
I'm might just give them a try when they're back in stock by me. I'm down to my last pair without holes! This week has been all above 50 degrees and topped out at 60+ today. Too bad the days are so short this time of year. Bonus days for sure. One of the few pluses of climate change. |
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 17, 2021 18:05:42 GMT
Speaking of winter riding gear, I have been using some inexpensive tights from Target (sorry, US only). They are about $30 and I like them more than my expensive bike-clothing-brand tights. The fabric is warmer but still quite stretchy. I use them over regular cycling shorts. There is a little more room in the seat, which makes them more comfortable in other critical areas as well. They have pockets, which I have not used but would be good for a phone and wallet. I have used the first pair probably 40 times and washed them about half that many times. They seem like they will last quite a while. I like them enough that I got a second pair. Here is the link in case anyone is interested:
Brian
I'm might just give them a try when they're back in stock by me. I'm down to my last pair without holes! This week has been all above 50 degrees and topped out at 60+ today. Too bad the days are so short this time of year. Bonus days for sure. One of the few pluses of climate change. You're right, the weather has been great, not quite as warm here as near you. It's probably 10F lower overall. November turned out to be my highest mileage month of the year at 865 miles, which set the stage for an annual personal record yesterday (7134 miles). I have one more goal for the year (actually a 6-year total of 30000 miles) that will require another 91 miles, which should be easy. Snow tomorrow will probably put the local rail trail out of commission for the season but the roads should be cleared off quickly. Keep on truckin'.
Brian
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Post by dracco on Dec 18, 2021 22:21:14 GMT
And for UK and European readers, I can recommend the "Kalenji" runners' tights for winter cycling @ around GBP15 from Decathlon. They are cheaper than the gear designated for cyclists and like Brian I wear them over my shorts. - They don't have pockets (actually not quite correct - they have a small one tucked inside the waistband, about big enough for a key, but not much more) but are snug-fitting and warm
I've used these for a couple of years now, including cycling on the shortest day of the year in 2020 when tempertures were around 5 Celsius. Most recently, I wore them this week on Tuesday (14th Dec), since a break in the continually wet and windy weather we've been experiencing in Yorkshire allowed me to find out how well the replacement rear wheel (that replaced the one destroyed in my crash the previous month) would behave. Since up until then the weather had been foul (e.g. Storm Arwen), I'd been getting my cycling fix on the turbo trainer (a very dumb one, rather than a hi-tec Zwift-enabled smart one). This week's ride reminded me (i) how good it was to get out on the bike again, (ii) how well the new wheel was behaving, and best of all (iii) how much juice the turbo sessions had put into my legs: going up climbs that used to be a hard slog with much greater facility. (Unfortunately, I'll be in a bike-free zone for the next 2 weeks, visiting my family over the Christmas period: my first opportunity to see my 94-year old mother for 2 years)
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 19, 2021 0:31:49 GMT
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 19, 2021 1:44:29 GMT
Yes, I have noticed that!
Brian
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Post by triitout on Dec 19, 2021 20:00:26 GMT
I'm might just give them a try when they're back in stock by me. I'm down to my last pair without holes! This week has been all above 50 degrees and topped out at 60+ today. Too bad the days are so short this time of year. Bonus days for sure. One of the few pluses of climate change. You're right, the weather has been great, not quite as warm here as near you. It's probably 10F lower overall. November turned out to be my highest mileage month of the year at 865 miles, which set the stage for an annual personal record yesterday (7134 miles). I have one more goal for the year (actually a 6-year total of 30000 miles) that will require another 91 miles, which should be easy. Snow tomorrow will probably put the local rail trail out of commission for the season but the roads should be cleared off quickly. Keep on truckin'.
Brian
Brian, it's nice to see someone as obsessive compulsive about records as I am! Every year I say that I'll take a break in December........but then records come into play.I'm only 56 miles from last years 10,800 which far exceeded anything I've done in the past. I'm most proud of 60% being on the Viscounts and over 80% outside this year. Being part time and now fully retired as of 2 weeks ago really helps with available time. When I started my mileage log back in April 1977, I never imagined I'd still be at it almost 45 years and 172,000+ miles later. It also serves as a diary marking the decades and major milestones in my life as seen through a bicycle centric view. I will take off the next 3 days as I've learned from experience, bicycle riding and sex before you PSA blood test can really mess with your lab results. 72 hours off last year took my 4.0 score (I rode 60+ miles the day before the test) in 2019 down to 3.0 in 2020. And that's my public service message for everyone taking PSA test for prostate cancer screening! The record will wait a few more days. I feel very lucky and grateful to still be able to ride, swim, run and walk as much as I do and never take it for granted especially in light of covid and pneumonia. Plenty of time to rest when they put you in the box.  Happy, healthy and safe holidays to all, Michael |
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Post by triitout on Dec 19, 2021 20:03:06 GMT
It's even worse if you have to visit your favorite side of the road, in the bushes pee spot outside!  |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 19, 2021 21:45:21 GMT
It's even worse if you have to visit your favorite side of the road, in the bushes pee spot outside! I have many pee bushes and keep my eye out for the very best candidates. In all my years, only once (while cycling) have I had to do the other (and much more difficult thing) in a bush. Since I was wearing bib tights, I had to remove my jersey pull my bib tights down to my ankles. Then I was worried that I might accidentally soil my bib tights; so I removed them too. While completely undressed and huddling in a bush, cars passed by; most did not notice but some honked their horns. This concerned me enough to move a bush that was farther away from the road. Unfortunately, I then began to worry that someone would stop and take my bike; obviously, I had left it too close to the road. The tension and cold weather made the job take longer than it should. Leaves had to suffice when I completed the job. A few lessons were learned. Avoid long rides after eating a large meal, especially at a Mexican restaurant. Always drag the bike along to your chosen site. At the very least put a couple of wet wipes in your seat bag.
In hindsight it could have been worse; what if there were no bushes!
Ride Happy Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 19, 2021 23:14:43 GMT
Back in 1983, I used to drive up to a job in New Hampshire, cycle to a friend's house, and then we both would cycle back to work. I had to make a pit stop at the same spot every morning. It was on a lightly used country road and I would lean my bike on a sign post and walk a few yards into the woods to the same small oak tree day after day. Believe it or not, between May and September I killed the tree. Always felt bad about it, but what can you do?
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Dec 28, 2021 20:50:15 GMT
Back in 1983, I used to drive up to a job in New Hampshire, cycle to a friend's house, and then we both would cycle back to work. I had to make a pit stop at the same spot every morning. It was on a lightly used country road and I would lean my bike on a sign post and walk a few yards into the woods to the same small oak tree day after day. Believe it or not, between May and September I killed the tree. Always felt bad about it, but what can you do? Brian Good news: first winter ride for me, in fact two consecutive 45 minute days. Bad news: on an indoor trainer. 🤨 Oh well, at least I don’t have to worry about unbundling for a nature break. No major complaints so it’s good to be riding again no matter what the mode. Have to get ready for DFR! Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 29, 2021 4:31:37 GMT
Good to hear that back on a bike!
Cheers
Jim
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Post by triitout on Dec 31, 2021 1:42:18 GMT
Two days left to close out the year. Decent enough day to get off the trainer and get outside. Murky, damp, dreary, but near 50 degrees. A good day to choose the 27 x 1 1/4" tires Gran Sports. I recently stumbled onto a Facebook Long Island History thread that posted the exact location of the old Roosevelt Field where Lindberg took off back in 1927 on the way to his historic transatlantic flight to Paris. I never knew that the spot where he went airborne was commemorated with a plaque. Turns out to be not at the same named "Roosevelt Field Mall", but actually a few miles east and less than 1 mile from a bike path I frequently ride. I'm a sucker for historic sights so it was a good destination detour. I found it somewhat off the beaten path, behind a parking garage on a limited access road that parallels the west to east path of the takeoff. Very cool to imagine the plane lifting off, just clearing the same power lines that still exist on the Merrick Ave bike path and flying over the same golf courses as still exist in park I frequent. I had to take a photo of my Aerospace up against the historic aerospace event marker. Also found a video of the site and takeoff. Made a somewhat ordinary ride something special.  IMG_0726 |
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Post by wheelson on Dec 31, 2021 17:24:09 GMT
Good to hear that back on a bike! Cheers Jim Thanks, Jim. I hope to be riding for real when the weather permits. Not always easy here in Western Pennsylvania, but a few decent days do sometimes occur. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 31, 2021 18:47:39 GMT
Closed out the year with a 23 mile foggy, 42°F road ride this morning for a total of 7257 miles, but the bigger notch was a perfectly round 30000 miles for the five year period 2017-2021. Wishing everyone a happy new year, which we are surely due.
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Dec 31, 2021 19:19:45 GMT
Closed out the year with a 23 mile foggy, 42°F road ride this morning for a total of 7257 miles, but the bigger notch was a perfectly round 30000 miles for the five year period 2017-2021. Wishing everyone a happy new year, which we are surely due.
Brian
Great showing, Brian. That round 5 figure one is impressive. I often wish I’d kept a log of miles ridden and driven. Perhaps a journal, having learned to write around 1953, one with a daily summary of world events might be worth something. Anyway, a happy and prosperous New Year to you and to all here on this most excellent V and L Board. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 31, 2021 19:39:34 GMT
Two days left to close out the year. Decent enough day to get off the trainer and get outside. Murky, damp, dreary, but near 50 degrees. A good day to choose the 27 x 1 1/4" tires Gran Sports. I recently stumbled onto a Facebook Long Island History thread that posted the exact location of the old Roosevelt Field where Lindberg took off back in 1927 on the way to his historic transatlantic flight to Paris. I never knew that the spot where he went airborne was commemorated with a plaque. Turns out to be not at the same named "Roosevelt Field Mall", but actually a few miles east and less than 1 mile from a bike path I frequently ride. I'm a sucker for historic sights so it was a good destination detour. I found it somewhat off the beaten path, behind a parking garage on a limited access road that parallels the west to east path of the takeoff. Very cool to imagine the plane lifting off, just clearing the same power lines that still exist on the Merrick Ave bike path and flying over the same golf courses as still exist in park I frequent. I had to take a photo of my Aerospace up against the historic aerospace event marker. Also found a video of the site and takeoff. Made a somewhat ordinary ride something special. IMG_0726Excellent "Point of Interest". It's funny how many there are. Look at any map and there will be a generally known historical point of interest within a mile. And that's in the US. In the UK I imagine you're tripping over them all the time.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Dec 31, 2021 23:31:38 GMT
John, All miles are good miles, even on the trainer. Stay healthy and keep pedaling!
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Post by triitout on Dec 31, 2021 23:43:08 GMT
Closed out the year with a 23 mile foggy, 42°F road ride this morning for a total of 7257 miles, but the bigger notch was a perfectly round 30000 miles for the five year period 2017-2021. Wishing everyone a happy new year, which we are surely due.
Brian
Great showing, Brian. That round 5 figure one is impressive. I often wish I’d kept a log of miles ridden and driven. Perhaps a journal, having learned to write around 1953, one with a daily summary of world events might be worth something. Anyway, a happy and prosperous New Year to you and to all here on this most excellent V and L Board. Best, John “wheelson” Final ride today of 36 miles was believe it or not, down to the beach. 50+ degrees, sunshine and a light wind. Good to see other like minded cyclists as well. I'm like Brian with mileage goals. Had a very big number to hit for the year. Started my final push on Wed as it was too close to miss. 11008 miles for the year, of which 8855 were outdoors and 6399 were on the Viscount fleet. I'm up to 172889 lifetime. Hoping to make a run at 200000. My sixties are turning out to be my biggest mileage decade by a good margin....so far. The decade of less/no work and more play! I've learned never to take my health for granted, but while it's good, I'll keep riding and racing triathlons. Plenty of time to rest when they put you in the box. Happy New Year, and keep pedaling! |
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Post by brianbutler on Jan 1, 2022 13:43:31 GMT
Great showing, Brian. That round 5 figure one is impressive. I often wish I’d kept a log of miles ridden and driven. Perhaps a journal, having learned to write around 1953, one with a daily summary of world events might be worth something. Anyway, a happy and prosperous New Year to you and to all here on this most excellent V and L Board. Best, John “wheelson” Final ride today of 36 miles was believe it or not, down to the beach. 50+ degrees, sunshine and a light wind. Good to see other like minded cyclists as well. I'm like Brian with mileage goals. Had a very big number to hit for the year. Started my final push on Wed as it was too close to miss. 11008 miles for the year, of which 8855 were outdoors and 6399 were on the Viscount fleet. I'm up to 172889 lifetime. Hoping to make a run at 200000. My sixties are turning out to be my biggest mileage decade by a good margin....so far. The decade of less/no work and more play! I've learned never to take my health for granted, but while it's good, I'll keep riding and racing triathlons. Plenty of time to rest when they put you in the box. Happy New Year, and keep pedaling! Truly insane numbers, Michael. Congratulations, especially on the Viscount fleet total. I'll see if I can break down my miles by bike. I'm pretty sure my Viscount miles would be less than half my total. I get stuck on the Fuji del Rey for weeks at a time.
Brian
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Post by franco on Jan 2, 2022 22:48:24 GMT
Happy New Year to everyone! I’m still nursing a damaged knee but I still get out on short rides, been using the 3 Speeds to make sure I get some kind of workout on lower mileage. I’ll get some pictures up at some point  |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Jan 11, 2022 16:14:43 GMT
Four interesting solutions to riding on frozen lakes (there are others). Not a concern where I live, but interesting. I think I would steer clear of the saw blade bike.
Ride Happy Jim
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