Training Log Archive: PGIn the 30 days ending Nov 30, 2017:
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Thursday Nov 30, 2017 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:33:20 22.76 mi (4:06 / mi) +652ft 4:00 / mi
ahr:126 max:149 weight:137lbs
Mid-30s, S 5-10 mph. Modest effort in South Deerfield, Whately, and a bit of Hatfield. Most flat, a few small hills.
New green jacket certainly seems to work well, as do booties. Now need a new pair of tights and a better balaclava and I will be about set.
Oh, and maybe a fat bike...
New green jacket certainly seems to work well, as do booties. Now need a new pair of tights and a better balaclava and I will be about set.
Oh, and maybe a fat bike...
Wednesday Nov 29, 2017 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:45:27 21.54 mi (4:54 / mi) +2231ft 4:27 / mi
ahr:131 max:162
Much milder, maybe mid-50s and sunny, but also a strong wind from the west, 20-25 mph. Headed for the hills again, still always some wind but not so bad most of the time. Most noticeable was when I was climbing out of Colrain, tailwind, fairly wide road, and the dead leaves were just shooting past me.
Lots of dirt roads, maybe 15 miles, almost all in really good shape, not many holes, smooth going down, good firm surface going up. Such a pleasure.
Lots of dirt roads, maybe 15 miles, almost all in really good shape, not many holes, smooth going down, good firm surface going up. Such a pleasure.
Tuesday Nov 28, 2017 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:29:34 19.71 mi (4:33 / mi) +388ft 4:28 / mi
ahr:124 max:140 weight:137.5lbs
Nice day, sunny, mid-30s, S 10-15. Thought I dodge a bit of wind by doing the Gunn Mt - N. Mt. loop. It was fine going up Gunn, usual conditions, but N. Mt. was all chewed up, either by the town in an attempt to improve it, or a recent logging operation, or both. Pretty awful, and I was going down. Glad when I was done with it.
The rest was just working my way south across the flats into the wind, then cruising back.
Had a couple of new items of clothing to try out. One was a jacket, actually made for biking. Some sort of material that blocked the wind on the front (and most of the way around the arms); on the back, and the back of the arms, some sort of very breathable fabric. Seemed to work well. Wore it over two LS shirts and was warm enough, but also didn't soak the innermost shirt with sweat like I usually do. A pleasant surprise when I took things off -- shirt was only damp in a couple of spots.
Other item was a pair of neoprene booties, 3 mm. Kept my feet nice and toasty. :-)
The rest was just working my way south across the flats into the wind, then cruising back.
Had a couple of new items of clothing to try out. One was a jacket, actually made for biking. Some sort of material that blocked the wind on the front (and most of the way around the arms); on the back, and the back of the arms, some sort of very breathable fabric. Seemed to work well. Wore it over two LS shirts and was warm enough, but also didn't soak the innermost shirt with sweat like I usually do. A pleasant surprise when I took things off -- shirt was only damp in a couple of spots.
Other item was a pair of neoprene booties, 3 mm. Kept my feet nice and toasty. :-)
Monday Nov 27, 2017 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:24:32 17.5 mi (4:50 / mi) +1561ft 4:27 / mi
ahr:139 max:162 weight:136.5lbs
About 40F, NW wind, 15-20 mph. Headed for the hills and dirt roads in Leyden and Guilford, VT, to get a little protection from the wind, which worked pretty well, only got blasted a couple of times.
Saw several hunters, it being the first day of shotgun deer season, but I had more orange on than they did so I didn't feel in any danger. Did not see any deer, dead or alive.
Some hills, as expected, steep in a couple of places, but made it up with at least something to spare.
Saw several hunters, it being the first day of shotgun deer season, but I had more orange on than they did so I didn't feel in any danger. Did not see any deer, dead or alive.
Some hills, as expected, steep in a couple of places, but made it up with at least something to spare.
Sunday Nov 26, 2017 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:41:27 23.33 mi (4:21 / mi) +784ft 4:13 / mi
ahr:129 max:152 weight:137lbs
Not cold out (low 40s), but windy, about 15 mph and gradually shifting from the NW to the SW. Didn't really realize that possibility when I planned the route. At least after the fact it made sense that I had felt the wind was against me more than it was with me.
Up the river on the west side, back on the east side.
Weight seemed to survive T-day.
4,808, 288,000
Up the river on the west side, back on the east side.
Weight seemed to survive T-day.
4,808, 288,000
Saturday Nov 25, 2017 #
Note
Back from Austin.
I generally don't like to fly, but I decided on this trip to try not to worry about it and just go with the flow, perhaps inspired by the line in Bridge of Spies -- Would it help?
So I was mellow, and the trip passed uneventfully and relatively stress-free.
I generally don't like to fly, but I decided on this trip to try not to worry about it and just go with the flow, perhaps inspired by the line in Bridge of Spies -- Would it help?
So I was mellow, and the trip passed uneventfully and relatively stress-free.
Friday Nov 24, 2017 #
12 PM
biking - rental (Austin -Diverge) 1:22:49 16.9 mi (4:54 / mi) +1381ft 4:33 / mi
ahr:129 max:163
Heading NW from my brother's, up along the river. For the first time I could really see why this is called Hill Country. Nothing big, but lots of sharp little ups and downs. Also lots of fancy homes and good views, and fortunately not much traffic today. Don't think I would have wanted to be out on some of these roads during commuting hours.
Legs were pretty wasted by the time I was done. Actually, they were pretty wated when I still had a few miles to go...
Sunny again, light breeze from the south, mid-70s.
Legs were pretty wasted by the time I was done. Actually, they were pretty wated when I still had a few miles to go...
Sunny again, light breeze from the south, mid-70s.
3 PM
biking - rental (Austin -Diverge) 11:06 2.08 mi (5:21 / mi) +20ft 5:18 / mi
ahr:120 max:131
Taking the bike back to the bike shop.
Would have liked to spend a little time looking around at the shop (lots of stuff there), but it was not to be. Things to do, including before long off to UT to watch the Texas - Texas Tech game. A rather lengthy football game, started at 7:15 and ended at 11:20, but we had good seats, and even though Texas lost right at the end, I won the pool, being the only one to pick Texas Tech. :-)
As usual, an interesting cultural experience.
Would have liked to spend a little time looking around at the shop (lots of stuff there), but it was not to be. Things to do, including before long off to UT to watch the Texas - Texas Tech game. A rather lengthy football game, started at 7:15 and ended at 11:20, but we had good seats, and even though Texas lost right at the end, I won the pool, being the only one to pick Texas Tech. :-)
As usual, an interesting cultural experience.
Thursday Nov 23, 2017 #
11 AM
biking - rental (Austin -Diverge) 1:26:53 19.8 mi (4:23 / mi) +519ft 4:17 / mi
ahr:119 max:147
Over east of the city, with a stop at my niece's to help set up tables -- she is hosting T-day dinner for 14 in a little while. Then a fine excursion, first on part of a bike trail, then working my way back along various streets, almost all with bike lanes. Sunny, mid-60s, minimal wind. Pretty nice.
Wednesday Nov 22, 2017 #
11 AM
biking - rental (Austin -Diverge) 1:31:34 20.19 mi (4:32 / mi) +559ft 4:25 / mi
ahr:129 max:159
In Austin visiting my brother and his family, including first grandkid Evie, born mid-September.
Decided this time I would rent a bike so I could get a little exercise during the visit. Reserved a bike very close to what I've got at a bike shop not far from his house. Picked it up this morning, rode back to his place, then up to where Donna's mom lived (she died earlier this year), then back home.
Beautiful sunny day, low 60s, NW wind 10 mph, Just delightful, especially the last leg, more down than up and with the wind.
Decided this time I would rent a bike so I could get a little exercise during the visit. Reserved a bike very close to what I've got at a bike shop not far from his house. Picked it up this morning, rode back to his place, then up to where Donna's mom lived (she died earlier this year), then back home.
Beautiful sunny day, low 60s, NW wind 10 mph, Just delightful, especially the last leg, more down than up and with the wind.
Monday Nov 20, 2017 #
3 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:03:31 15.47 mi (4:06 / mi) +53ft 4:06 / mi
ahr:124 max:143 weight:137lbs
Sunny, 40F, W 10 mph. South of town, flat, mostly going north or south so the wind was OK. Modest pace, nice ride, no suffering. :-)
Sunday Nov 19, 2017 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:14:29 14.92 mi (5:00 / mi) +1286ft 4:37 / mi
ahr:128 max:156 weight:137.5lbs
Low 40s, gusty W wind 15-20 mph, so headed for the Conway hills to get a little shelter. Worked pretty well. Still lots of wind, but changing all the time, which is way better than out in the open fields.
Nice ride. Saw several runners out (all females), a few people walking, all a friendly wave or greeting. Not a single other biker.
Reminds me, yesterday, out at Quabbin, at mile 17 I went out on a little point just to see if any wildlife was around. The wind was howling, whitecaps on the water. No wildlife to be seen, but there was a young man walking along the shore, heading in my direction, maybe 100 yards away.
Curious as to why someone would be out in rather unpleasant conditions, I waited until he got close and then said hello and asked where he was headed.
He answered, and I somewhat understood, the problem being that he stammered so badly that,. well, I guess you feel awkward and uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassed and not really wanting to extend the conversation because it seemed like the effort on his part was significant and the output was extremely meager.
So when it was my turn I quickly said something like I was getting cold and had to keep moving and goodbye. But not at all sure what one ought to do in such circumstances. I imagine, had it been a person with normal language skills, the conversation might have continued on briefly, because the fact was that I was getting cold and did need to keep moving. But I really didn't know what to do.
----------
4,711 miles so far for the year (target 5,000, or maybe it should be 5,200, or 5,214?). And 284K feet climbed (target is 290,290).
Nice ride. Saw several runners out (all females), a few people walking, all a friendly wave or greeting. Not a single other biker.
Reminds me, yesterday, out at Quabbin, at mile 17 I went out on a little point just to see if any wildlife was around. The wind was howling, whitecaps on the water. No wildlife to be seen, but there was a young man walking along the shore, heading in my direction, maybe 100 yards away.
Curious as to why someone would be out in rather unpleasant conditions, I waited until he got close and then said hello and asked where he was headed.
He answered, and I somewhat understood, the problem being that he stammered so badly that,. well, I guess you feel awkward and uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassed and not really wanting to extend the conversation because it seemed like the effort on his part was significant and the output was extremely meager.
So when it was my turn I quickly said something like I was getting cold and had to keep moving and goodbye. But not at all sure what one ought to do in such circumstances. I imagine, had it been a person with normal language skills, the conversation might have continued on briefly, because the fact was that I was getting cold and did need to keep moving. But I really didn't know what to do.
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4,711 miles so far for the year (target 5,000, or maybe it should be 5,200, or 5,214?). And 284K feet climbed (target is 290,290).
Saturday Nov 18, 2017 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:05:47 21.19 mi (5:56 / mi) +1394ft 5:35 / mi
ahr:124 max:149 weight:137.5lbs
Old roads in Quabbin, starting at gate 33 down to Dana center and back. Mid 30s, computer said wind out of the south at about 5 mph, but there were whitecaps on the reservoir. Most of the time I was in the trees, but there were a couple of miles in each direction where the wind was definitely noticeable, and cold.
Legs were on the tired side, but I had in mind to go out 10 miles before turning back, and by that point a little more to get to Dana seemed reasonable.
Got a new phone a couple of days ago, main reason because it was supposed to get better reception -- lots of places in the hills around here don't get a strong signal, if any. It certainly is better. Though I stopped once in Dana to check and no signal there. Not surprising, I guess, because there is no one living there. But lots of places that I've checked are now much better. Good to know, because I spend a lot of time wandering by myself, and you never know what might happen.
Legs were on the tired side, but I had in mind to go out 10 miles before turning back, and by that point a little more to get to Dana seemed reasonable.
Got a new phone a couple of days ago, main reason because it was supposed to get better reception -- lots of places in the hills around here don't get a strong signal, if any. It certainly is better. Though I stopped once in Dana to check and no signal there. Not surprising, I guess, because there is no one living there. But lots of places that I've checked are now much better. Good to know, because I spend a lot of time wandering by myself, and you never know what might happen.
Friday Nov 17, 2017 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:36:04 22.95 mi (4:11 / mi) +998ft 4:01 / mi
ahr:131 max:158 weight:137.5lbs
Sunny and about 40F with winds out of the NW at 10-20 mph. A little bit bracing, but still a lot nicer than if it had been 20F with the same winds. Though that's coming...
Picked a good route today, definitely more with the wind than against. Mostly out in the open and on the flats when heading roughly south, mostly in the hills and woods when heading roughly north. Though the wind seemed to slacken a bit at the end, didn't quite get the big push I was expecting the last few miles.
My mantra for getting out the door was a familiar one -- think how much you'll enjoy having done it. And it's true.
Picked a good route today, definitely more with the wind than against. Mostly out in the open and on the flats when heading roughly south, mostly in the hills and woods when heading roughly north. Though the wind seemed to slacken a bit at the end, didn't quite get the big push I was expecting the last few miles.
My mantra for getting out the door was a familiar one -- think how much you'll enjoy having done it. And it's true.
Thursday Nov 16, 2017 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:00:39 15.38 mi (3:57 / mi) +185ft 3:54 / mi
ahr:125 max:153 weight:136.5lbs
Lots of rain in the morning, but then it stopped for a while, so I figured I'd best get out. The roads were wet, but it was actually rather pleasant, low 40s and no wind at all. At one point the sky even brightened up and I could see where the sun was, even if I couldn't actually see it.
And then I guess it got darker again, although I didn't really notice, got home with no more rain. The recycle bin was still down by the road, so I walked down to pick it up. By the time I was headed back up it was pouring. Didn't take too long for me to realize that the bin, once inverted, made a nice umbrella. Back to the house staying quite dry and feeling very fortunate with my timing.
And then I guess it got darker again, although I didn't really notice, got home with no more rain. The recycle bin was still down by the road, so I walked down to pick it up. By the time I was headed back up it was pouring. Didn't take too long for me to realize that the bin, once inverted, made a nice umbrella. Back to the house staying quite dry and feeling very fortunate with my timing.
Wednesday Nov 15, 2017 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:35:05 [3] 23.55 mi (4:02 / mi) +728ft 3:55 / mi
weight:137.5lbs
Nice late fall afternoon, mid 40s and a very light breeze from the south. Up to Greenfield on the east side of the river, back through Deerfield. Pleasant ride, decent effort.
Tuesday Nov 14, 2017 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:09:03 [2] 15.46 mi (4:28 / mi) +1047ft 4:12 / mi
weight:137lbs
In the hills in Westfield and Granville. Upper 30s, light N breeze, rain had stopped but the roads were wet. Not so bad.
Nice, as always, to go someplace I haven't been. In this case, at least for the first few miles, never been at all. The latter miles are mostly on either the older or the current Westfield half-marathon course, on in Stanley Park, where I've run a few XC races. Need to keep exploring.
My winter clothing includes a bright orange puffy jacket, which both keeps me warm and makes me really visible to drivers (and hunters). On the downside, it also adds a significant amount of wind resistance (or whatever the proper term is). Seems like I needed to be a gear lower anytime I'm not going up a pretty good hill. Not that there's anything wrong with that....
Nice, as always, to go someplace I haven't been. In this case, at least for the first few miles, never been at all. The latter miles are mostly on either the older or the current Westfield half-marathon course, on in Stanley Park, where I've run a few XC races. Need to keep exploring.
My winter clothing includes a bright orange puffy jacket, which both keeps me warm and makes me really visible to drivers (and hunters). On the downside, it also adds a significant amount of wind resistance (or whatever the proper term is). Seems like I needed to be a gear lower anytime I'm not going up a pretty good hill. Not that there's anything wrong with that....
Monday Nov 13, 2017 #
2 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:25:10 [3] 20.71 mi (4:07 / mi) +263ft 4:04 / mi
weight:137.5lbs
Upper 30s, light N breeze. Pretty benign, at least compared to around noon, when it was snowing hard. Was wondering then if I was going to get out today, but when the time came it was fine, roads wet but not enough to spray me.
South through the flats for a while, around Mt Warner and back. Hadn't given much thought as to a route, so pleasantly surprised when 20 miles passed. Rides will start getting (much) shorter as the cold weather settles in.
South through the flats for a while, around Mt Warner and back. Hadn't given much thought as to a route, so pleasantly surprised when 20 miles passed. Rides will start getting (much) shorter as the cold weather settles in.
Sunday Nov 12, 2017 #
9 AM
biking - dark blue bike 58:39 [2] 10.48 mi (5:36 / mi) +269ft 5:28 / mi
weight:136.5lbs
Headed back to Quabbin on the early side to see if I could find the strap for my heart monitor, but no luck. A gorgeous morning -- upper 20s, sunny, virtually no wind. Stopped a few times to watch the loons, but not long because I was a little short of time.
And then off Torrington for Sunday lunch with Lina and Angelo and much of their family. Just wonderful.
They did want to know why Charlie hadn't come. :-)
And then off Torrington for Sunday lunch with Lina and Angelo and much of their family. Just wonderful.
They did want to know why Charlie hadn't come. :-)
Saturday Nov 11, 2017 #
1 PM
mountain biking 1:51:31 [3] 9.2 mi (12:07 / mi) +1303ft 10:41 / mi
weight:136.5lbs
Pull out the mountain bike for the first time in a few months, lubed the chain (which was sorely in need of it), added a little air to the tires, and headed off for a ride from Gary's (up in the Conway hills) with him, Walter, and Dusty, in which I am probably 3rd out of 4 going up, and 3rd out of 4 going down, so just right.
Another ride that can only be described as a serious interval workout, in a different way than road rides are. On the roads it seems I have more control over my effort, can ramp it up or dial it back as I wish. On the mountain bike on hilly trails, which was all we seemed to do today, a bunch of times there is no choice, it's either max effort or I don't make it up.
Wish I had my heart monitor working just to confirm the feelings. But couldn't find the strap. Not in the usual spot in the house, not in the car. I don't remember taking it off after yesterday's ride. The data for that stop after a couple of miles. So that would give me a place to start looking. But it might have fallen off any place between there and where I parked. I suppose I will head over to Quabbin sometime soon to have a look.
Anyway, this ride was fun. And my skills are getting better. But it's still hard.
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And continuing my fat bike research... :-)
Another ride that can only be described as a serious interval workout, in a different way than road rides are. On the roads it seems I have more control over my effort, can ramp it up or dial it back as I wish. On the mountain bike on hilly trails, which was all we seemed to do today, a bunch of times there is no choice, it's either max effort or I don't make it up.
Wish I had my heart monitor working just to confirm the feelings. But couldn't find the strap. Not in the usual spot in the house, not in the car. I don't remember taking it off after yesterday's ride. The data for that stop after a couple of miles. So that would give me a place to start looking. But it might have fallen off any place between there and where I parked. I suppose I will head over to Quabbin sometime soon to have a look.
Anyway, this ride was fun. And my skills are getting better. But it's still hard.
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And continuing my fat bike research... :-)
Friday Nov 10, 2017 #
8 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:32:24 [2] 15.88 mi (5:49 / mi) +499ft 5:39 / mi
weight:137lbs
Low 30s, NW 20+ mph. On the old roads on the north side of Quabbin, trying to find a little shelter from the wind. Marginally successful. But I had pretty much enough on so no suffering. Stopped a few times to see what was on the water.
Two photos. In the first, this tree was still upright when I went by about 30 minutes earlier. Had I been extraordinarily unlucky, I would have been bopped. Not sure to what extent my fine bright orange helmut would have saved me.
And a Snowy Owl, a rare visitor to around here. Found by someone else, but worth going to take a look because they are very cool.
Two photos. In the first, this tree was still upright when I went by about 30 minutes earlier. Had I been extraordinarily unlucky, I would have been bopped. Not sure to what extent my fine bright orange helmut would have saved me.
And a Snowy Owl, a rare visitor to around here. Found by someone else, but worth going to take a look because they are very cool.
Thursday Nov 9, 2017 #
12 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:44:28 25.96 mi (4:01 / mi) +287ft 3:59 / mi
ahr:114 max:133 weight:137lbs
Easy ride down the east side of the river to Northampton, back on the west side. Mid-40s, light breeze from the south. Just put it a gear lower than usual. Probably should do that more often.
Wednesday Nov 8, 2017 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 2:30:06 [3] 33.97 mi (4:25 / mi) +2051ft 4:11 / mi
weight:136.5lbs
Longish ride on a somewhat chilly day, just because the sun was out and many days to come will be much worse. About 45F, light breeze from the north. Started in Millers Falls, then up to Wendell, down and up to Warwick, down to Northfield, and back along the river. Beautiful afternoon, just chilly. Well, actually it averaged chilly -- just fine going up and rather cold coming down. But I had about the right amount on.
And didn't go into any streams this time. :-)
Seemed like hard work. Even the last few flat miles. Think I was getting depleted. Maybe should have taken more than half a bottle, and some food. Also also need to tighten the heart monitor strap a little...
And didn't go into any streams this time. :-)
Seemed like hard work. Even the last few flat miles. Think I was getting depleted. Maybe should have taken more than half a bottle, and some food. Also also need to tighten the heart monitor strap a little...
Tuesday Nov 7, 2017 #
1 PM
biking - dark blue bike 2:37:48 23.66 mi (6:40 / mi) +1981ft 6:11 / mi
ahr:122 max:158 weight:137lbs
Afternoon ride with Walter and Gary in the hills to the east. A few miles paved, lots of dirt, and also a few in mountain bike mode, the latter including a couple of miles I'd been curious about but never been on.
Getting cold, about 40F, light N breeze and cloudy. Winter is coming.
A fine adventure. Even the part where it was flooded for about 50 yards, maybe 6-12" deep, and both feet got soaking wet. Still had the better part of an hour to go and I thought the feet were going to get really unhappy as they froze, but not so bad.
We got started a bit later than we meant to, got back to the cars at 4:35, margin of maybe 10-15 minutes of sufficient light. Enough, but wouldn't want to cut it much closer. A least we were riding most of the time where there was no traffic.
I go out by myself usually, but sometimes it sure is nice to have company.
Getting cold, about 40F, light N breeze and cloudy. Winter is coming.
A fine adventure. Even the part where it was flooded for about 50 yards, maybe 6-12" deep, and both feet got soaking wet. Still had the better part of an hour to go and I thought the feet were going to get really unhappy as they froze, but not so bad.
We got started a bit later than we meant to, got back to the cars at 4:35, margin of maybe 10-15 minutes of sufficient light. Enough, but wouldn't want to cut it much closer. A least we were riding most of the time where there was no traffic.
I go out by myself usually, but sometimes it sure is nice to have company.
Monday Nov 6, 2017 #
10 AM
biking - dark blue bike 1:29:15 21.7 mi (4:07 / mi) +207ft 4:05 / mi
ahr:121 max:140 weight:136.5lbs
Thought it was supposed to rain all day, but then it seemed like it wasn't going to start until about noon, and it was mild (low 60s), so got a ride in after all. And though the roads were wet, just got rained on for the last 10 minutes.
On the flats to the south with an short excursion to UMass. Wind out of the south, 5-10 mph.
On the flats to the south with an short excursion to UMass. Wind out of the south, 5-10 mph.
Saturday Nov 4, 2017 #
3 PM
biking - dark blue bike 1:02:25 10.85 mi (5:45 / mi) +329ft 5:36 / mi
ahr:62 max:80 weight:136lbs
Meandering on the woods roads at the north end of Quabbin, visiting several bays to see what I might find. Seven loons (one calling loudly) was the highlight, along with an extraordinarily peaceful and beautiful late afternoon setting.
Friday Nov 3, 2017 #
11 AM
biking - dark blue bike 2:36:51 38.21 mi (4:06 / mi) +2218ft 3:53 / mi
ahr:130 max:157 weight:136lbs
Figured I should take advantage of a relatively warm day (upper 60s) and go for a little longer ride, which was a good idea except for the fact that the rain showed up a couple of hours earlier than predicted. But at least I was dry for the first hour. After that it was mostly light rain, still ended up getting pretty soaked, though not really unpleasantly so given the warm day.
Nice loop -- South Deerfield, to Greenfield via Upper Road, into the hills in Shelburne (where there is fresh pavement just in front of Cosby's house and horrible "pavement" not far to either side), then Conway, West Whately, down out of the hills to North Hatfield and home.
Saw a few other bikers out. I figured the cars going by would think I was nuts (given the weather). But they all seemed to be giving me even more room than usual.
And my tires grip really nicely. :-)
Nice loop -- South Deerfield, to Greenfield via Upper Road, into the hills in Shelburne (where there is fresh pavement just in front of Cosby's house and horrible "pavement" not far to either side), then Conway, West Whately, down out of the hills to North Hatfield and home.
Saw a few other bikers out. I figured the cars going by would think I was nuts (given the weather). But they all seemed to be giving me even more room than usual.
And my tires grip really nicely. :-)
Thursday Nov 2, 2017 #
3 PM
biking - dark blue bike 2:00:51 29.28 mi (4:08 / mi) +1450ft 3:57 / mi
ahr:135 max:164 weight:136.5lbs
Lake Wyola and Shutesbury, back via North Amherst. Gloomy this morning, but it brightened up in the afternoon and I figured I had better get myself out the door for a decent ride.
Almost all the climb is in the first 12 miles, with the steepest part leaving Lake Wyola. Hadn't been that way for a year or two, and it was sort of nice to look up at one point, see what was ahead, and think, This isn't as bad as I remember. :-)
Note that my standard LW/S loop over the years has come back through Leverett. I went a different way today on purpose, just so I couldn't compare times in the past with today. No point in getting depressed. :-)
Almost all the climb is in the first 12 miles, with the steepest part leaving Lake Wyola. Hadn't been that way for a year or two, and it was sort of nice to look up at one point, see what was ahead, and think, This isn't as bad as I remember. :-)
Note that my standard LW/S loop over the years has come back through Leverett. I went a different way today on purpose, just so I couldn't compare times in the past with today. No point in getting depressed. :-)
Wednesday Nov 1, 2017 #
Note
It started to rain around when I was thinking I probably should get out and do something. So I decided a day off was called for...