Training Log Archive: OutdoorsMama

Trying out new tires (Kendra Flintridge, designed for the Flint Hills of Kansas) and new bike shorts (Paul bought them on line for me (which I would never do!)....he got a size smaller than I would ever think of trying, so I was very apprehensive) and a new bike helmet (I bought it last fall but have not used it yet).
We rode north out of town on the new bike-friendly paved shoulder. Tried out some fairly fresh gravel, then a longish stretch of pavement. Paul's bike was making a strange noise, and he finally realized that the end of the cable that operates the front derailleur was rubbing on his back wheel (whew...that was easy to fix). Then the Greenway (the not-so-used section east of McGregor) and north past Oldcastle to the end of the trail. Back south to Harrow, with a short stop for a Coke and fries at Danielle's (not on the clock). Back home (50 miles), Paul loaded his bike up on the vehicle and I rode on to Leamington on the Greenway (official and unofficial bits) and we met at Le Bike Shoppe. There was a sandy stretch and a good stretch of loose, rough gravel through here, and the new tires handled them quite handily.
It was hot enough (high 70's, low 80's) so it was good practice for hydration and nutrition.The tires were great, and the bike shorts didn't bother me (I have worn them on my bike commutes recently, but wanted to try a longer ride with them). The jury is out on the helmet: did my forehead morph into a different shape over the winter? I picked this helmet as it is lighter than my other ones. Actually, it didn't bother me after the first couple hours, but did leave quite the red mark on my forehead. Not sure on that one.

C • Wow 2

Plus a few minutes riding to and from Mt Malden.
An unexpected rain at 10 am meant I got a get-out-of-jail-free card by 1 pm!
I picked up my freshly tuned bike (complete with new chain) and went to ride Mt Malden. Since I have been living under a rock for the last few weeks I didn't know it was the obstacle course/mud run/hospital fund raiser at Malden Park today. It was over 30C....Those people deserved huge credit for showing up! Anyway, there was barrier tape everywhere at the park (the event hadn't quite started yet) but the gravel road up Mt Malden was mostly not-on-course so I sweated my way up 3 times plus a few shorter uphill trails/tracks for good measure.

Active enough day, but nothing strenuous (other than washing the bugs off the front of the car....let's just say bug blood and guts doesn't look as obvious on my red Subaru as on my husband's white one....which I was washing as I drive it to work every day, and so am responsible for the dead bugs).

Took a slightly different route that meant more time on the hypotenuse rail trail. More gravel to ride afterwards but it was packed down as a 2 track. Very pleasant wind and temperature (shorts and short sleeve shirt) but still showed up at work with sweaty bangs.

South wind so I had my work cut out for me. Still so nice to be riding ! Pulled over for 3 tractors with soybean planting equipment in about 10k. Git 'r done!

Feeling much better.
Went for a nice spin around town on a beautiful evening.
Met my husband's ex and stopped for a chat. It is a small town.

Fell asleep in the recliner after a light supper. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Being struck with a rather nasty bout of food poisoning while working in a small office is a humbling experience.
Hopefully I feel up to some biking very soon! I had planned to ride home Monday night and back to work on Tuesday......that sure as heck didn't happen. Yuck.

C • Ugh 3