Yesterday was about the most beautiful fall day you could have: low winds, clear blue skies, trees brimming with colors and about 70 degrees!

I got in a ride of 33.7 miles through roads all local to my home, not unlike the one in the picture above. While I'm in the burbs of Atlanta, you can still find roads that make you feel like you're out in the country. I rode it in 1:42:04 for a 19.8mph average and a max of 45.4mph.

Daylight savings was this weekend, so I'm considering whether or not to ride today. I'll have to switch to my other bike which has lights and a rack to hold a small bag. I'm not keen on riding in the dark, but perhaps I'll get used to it again.

Ride On

Whew! As of about 24 hours ago, it was supposed to rain all day today and tomorrow so I thought I was done riding to work for the rest of the week - not too happy about that. But fortunately, looks like the rain is holding off until after 7pm!

Today's ride was GOOOOOOD. My legs felt good after a day off (I had ridden 5 or 6 days in a row). I must have had the wind at my back because I was flying down a gradual decline at between 25 and 26mph and felt very little wind in my face for that speed. I'll take it - headwinds are tough!!

Stats for the day:

• 43:36 time
• 18.3 MPH Avg
• 13.293 miles
• 36.4 MPH max
• 55 degress and cloudy.
• 196.5 lbs

Not too shabby. I think I've done the ride in 41 something before, but that was a year ago at least. I'd like to break 40 someday,  but that'll take perfect lights in addition to being in top shape (and maybe 10lbs less!!).

Ride On

Another CHILLY one - brrrrr!!

It was in the low to mid 30s at ride time, but I was warm and snuggly with all of my winter gear. It's actually a careful balance between warm enough but not too warm. Sweating could be even worse than being too cold. I think I've gotten pretty good at that balance - today certainly proved it.

Ride stats:

• 44:31 time
• 17.8 avg MPH
• 13.197 EXACTLY!!
• 37.0mph Max Speed!!

Ride On

It's getting a little colder these days...

But not THAT cold!! Temperatures during ride time this morning were in the low to mid-40s. Not too bad. I like to be warm though and I dress accordingly: foot warmers, full-length pants, long sleeves and knit gloves. When it gets really cold, I'll add some ear covers and additional layers as necessary.

A very nice ride this morning on my new bike. I love the ride, but I am definitely slower on this bike. I'll try to figure out why, but for now, I'm not too concerned. Ride Stats:

• 45:55 (total time excluding stops)
• 17.3 avg MPH
• 13.2 miles

Update: Ride home stats:

• 44:14 time
• 17.9 avg MPH
• 13.2 miles

Ride On!!

After a full week off of riding due to various issues, I got back on my bike this past Wednesday for ride #7 and today for ride #8. I'll definitely get in 10 rides for the month unless we get some absolutely crazy weather next week.

Today's ride was a little different though. It was really windy and a little drizzly, but that's not it. Today, I was riding on a new bike! Meet the Trek 5200 All Carbon Performance Road Bike:

Ain't she a beauty!!

How many ways is this ride better than my prior bike - an aluminum Trek 2300 with a Triathlon (Time Trial) setup? Let me count the ways:

• This one is Carbon - ABSORBS shock instead of sending them straight through my spine
• Smooth shifting, efficient drivetrain system - instead of my creaky bottom bracket
• Shifters in the brake levers instead of on the end of my aero bars
• Solid power transfer
• Improved cornering

In a word, it was the BOMB! I probably didn't go much faster, if at all. But at the end of my ride, I was less worn out from all of the bumping. I have wanted to get out of my tri-setup for so long, I love the new road setup (handlebars, seat position, etc.). And the bottom line, my butt didn't hurt like it normally does after riding my old bike in. That means more rides per month and less time off to heal the old saddle sores!!

Ride On!!