Training Log Archive: OutdoorsMama

I did a terrible job of taking my assigned days off in December (working 8-2:30 each day as the grain markets were active). I had been eyeing MLK day, hoping the weather would be good for outdoor activities on this day when the grain markets are closed. I packed up my fat bike in the car, and at 10:30, sent a note out to my co-workers that I would be away for the rest of the day (I ran it by my manager first, of course). I put in the note that since I would be outside for the rest of the day, my work phone (iPhone 5) would probably die, so if you need to reach me, go through one of my co-workers who has my android/personal number. One of my running/cycling co-workers called out "are you going biking?" She's very wise to my ways.
I had mapped out 2, 25'ish mile loops, starting at the arena in the town where I work. I set off on the western loop with mostly sunny conditions. Sadly, $*(@ happened with deliveries today, so customers (and co-workers) were calling/texting/emailing quite often. There were a lot of stops to handle the unexpected hiccups to my time away, but at least I was outside and riding my bike. I have never ridden on those roads before, so it was all new scenery to me. Winds were light and from the north, so the section of Erie Shore Drive by Erieau that has been hammered by Lake Erie this year was open and rideable. I did not stop at Bayside Brewing......next time!
As expected, my iPhone died, even though I had it tucked in my sports bra when I didn't have it out trying to reschedule cancelled loads of corn.

I circled back to the car, picked up my office key, then biked back to the office. I left my bike at the back door (and my helmet/brightly coloured jacket/hydration vest) and snuck back to my desk to plug in my phone for a bit and return a few calls. 15 minutes later I was slipping out the back door and carried on with a route east and south of town. A few more new roads, and a couple roads I had ridden at night a few days ago. Very sunny, and low winds. The gravel roads were about 1/2 gravel and 1/2 packed snow, so it was great for the fat bike. It would have been a bit dicey with the adventure bike.
I rode 'til sunset (which is later than it was a month ago!). There were a few dogs on this route, but none caught up with me....just as well, as I am NOT very fast on this bike.
Even though there were still more phone calls (yes, deliveries can start again tomorrow; no, I can't fit all of today's cancelled deliveries in tomorrow's schedule), the net result was some great time on the bike in some gorgeous sunshine. (XC skiing would too, but we are a bit deficient in the snow category).