I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out).
"The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Baby, it is Cold Outside!
Miles: 76.62
January Miles: 92.8
January rides in the Rain: One
The low temperature at my house was just 18.1° F. One would think that it would be just too cold to ride, but no, since it was not raining, and it was Saturday, it was time for a long ride. My only concession to the cold weather was that we started at 10:00 am, not first thing in the morning. This was Sal's suggestion; he is a sensible person.
The later starting time was a tactical error though. It allowed me to not set an alarm clock and as such, I overslept. As such, my morning was rushed and I did not eat a good breakfast; I consumed two Paley Bars as I drove down to the red lot.
We did a shorten version of my Kings Valley Loop. We did not finish with Liberty Hill, but headed back to Salem after crossing the Independence Bridge. None the less, we got in over 75 miles in the cold.
I had dressed correctly considering the weather. I had on three tops, two bottoms, a head covering, good gloves and two pairs of socks (one wool) and booties. The only improvement could have been a second set of booties, but my toes did not get painfully cold, just cold.
The route was good, with just enough hills to make it worthwhile. We did see some ice, but never so much that we were in trouble. The roads were mostly dry.
I had a good ride; I felt strong. However, I did suffer in two areas. After 50 miles, my rear end was telling me that the two weeks off I took had soften my saddle contact points. I found myself standing a lot to ease the pain. Also, my left arm was sore from holding my body up. Perhaps, my handlebars are too far forward. Time for a bike fitting.
This ride does not count toward a "Saturday Century" so I still need a century this month. Since I have Monday, Martin Luther King Day off, it looks like I can bag one soon.
Fishback Hill
