Singing in the rain

Yesterday was quite a ride. After a few days of good weather that I could not ride in, I woke up Monday morning to a overcast sky and a real good chance of rain. I figured if the guys were game, I was up to it. I didn't think that we would do our planned route, but any ride would be welcomed.

We showed up at 6:30 am and the weather was holding. A loop was decided with the back up plan of if it looked like it was going to get bad we would turn around. We thought that we could make it to the outer part of the loop before the rain hit. Well it started out good. The roads were wet in spots like it just rained there, but we were not getting rained on.

We made it to the turning point and up to that moment we had not been rained on yet. It sure looked like it was going to, but so far it had not. One gentleman at the gas station heard us talking about the rain. He asked us what way we were going and after we pointed, he said 2 miles up the road it was pouring. Good thing that we were not going that way today. That section was in the original plan. So be started heading back in the direction of home with almost 40 miles in with out getting rained on. We headed up the next section of road with some concerned looks on our faces, but at that point it really didn't matter any more. We figured 40 miles in the morning were much better for us than the couch.

Next we were faced with the option of what direction to head home. One direction was a little shorter, but had a lot more hills. It was decided to take the highway back and skip those bad hills on the back road as up till now we were making some real good time even with a head wind. Not 2 miles past the turn off for the back way, we were finally rained on for the first time of the day. It didn't really last too long so overall it was not too unpleasant. Little did we know that was just the start of it. The closer we got to the next little town it started to rain more. From there on home we were rained on for most of the way. Most of the time it was not too bad, just a steady rain. There were only a few sections that it rained a little hard on us.

As we were getting closer, one rider started asking about calling for a ride home. I said at this point, I am soaking wet and we are no more then 10 miles from home. I was planning on riding it out. So, I guess he didn't want to be the only one not riding home so we all continued on. Overall it was a great ride. I wish it was not as wet as it was, but it was a good hard ride. It was easily the most rain that I have ever rode in. I just hope I didn't mess any of my bearings up.

After sizing everything up, we ended up with 75 miles and averaged right at 18.5 mph

Still riding that train

For being a so called mountain biker, I sure don't ride in the woods much. I have done almost nothing but road riding this year. Oh well, it has been fun and I have sure put in more miles that I would have waiting on the dirt to dry.

This weekend I thought we were going for a 70 miler, but when I got there the route that was picked didn't sound like it would be that long. The good thing is, it would have a few more hills to make up for the distance. It was a great day, but the wind could have been a little nicer to us. The hills sure added up by the end of the ride, but my legs were needing that to keep on the improving path. I am not sure what the group ended up with in miles, but ended up with a metric century and over 2200 ft of elevation gain. Not too bad.

This weekend we are supposed to go out for a 100 miler, but we will see about that. I hear talk about a 90 from some of the group. What does 10 miles really do to help? I figure if we are going 90, I am going the extra 10 with or with out the group. I have never done a full century. I have been close, but not complete. It sounds like I will not have a problem with that this year. The group has a 120 mile route that take when it gets closer to the Rain ride. Then again that it self is 160 miles. Sounds like a good year for miles!

The plan is to follow that ride up with a off road hundie. I have been wanting to do the BCBD since it started and this year I will be in my best shape so far. I will have to see what the schedule has on it as we get closer to the date.

Just another day

Well, I guess it has been a little while since I put something on here. I have been very busy and the days seem to run together. I have had a few good rides since the last post. Tuesday I put in a hard 45 mile ride after work. I felt very good about how I rode. I have been wondering how well I would ride in the woods. I can't believe how little I have been off road this year. When I really was thinking about it, the weather was not cooperating. Now that there were some days that I could have rode, I didn't even think about it. Oh well, I really need some road time since I plan on doing the Rain Ride this year. 162 miles is a long time in the seat. That should get me ready for anything that I can make it to this year.

Well, I had big plans about some races early this year. As the time rolls on it seems that time and money keep talking me out of doing it. I am sure if I would just do a few races I would be hooked. I know I was looking forward to the next race after the Tour de London last year and I don't think I could have road any worse with out wrecking or something like that. I guess we will see if I can actually make it to a race this year.

Big ride planned for Sunday. I think they are looking at 70 miles or so. I sure hope the weather is good.