Sunday July 13th, 2008

Sunday's ride was not a new path, for the most part, but I was able to make it all the way around Bear Creek Lake park without stopping on any of the hills (including Mt. Carbon that kicked my behind a few weeks ago). I climbed the back side of it and flew down the side that I previously tried climbing. Going up was slow going, but it was good. I just have to remember to regulate my breathing so that I don't feel like puking half way up!

Really looking forward to this Saturday. I am doing my first women's group ride with the bike shop that I have gotten involved with. I'm not real sure where we're going, but we're heading out at 7:30am (so much for sleeping in). I'm really excited though seeing as how work has me sitting on my arse for 12 hours at a time lately. The ride should be good as they are aimed at a set pace and I'm hoping to be pushed a little. It will also be good to learn to ride in a group. Sounds like it would be instinctive (and it mostly is), but it is a little different needing to be aware of others around you and where your bike is in relation to them.

Ride Stats:

Distance: approx 17.5 miles (ended at Austin & Erika's)

Time: 1.5 hours

Challenge: Hills around BCLP

Goal: Continue working on hills and work on riding in a group on Saturday

Sunday July 6th, 2008

Today was just a quick ride to justify being lazy for the rest of the day. Rode down to Bear Creek Lake Park, did a climb, then came home. I was going to ride all the way around the park to do some more hills, but was still feeling my hike from Saturday.

Ride Stats:

Distance: about 16.5 miles

Time: 1.25 hours

Challenge: Hill in BCLP and Garrison St Hill (made it through one of two switchbacks w/o getting off!!!)

Goal: Do the loop around BCLP

Map is the same as my July 21st ride... today's ride was only cut short by about a half a mile.

Wednesday July 2nd, 2008

Today was the bike handling and cornering clinic that I signed up for. It was a good time. The instructor was the owner of the bike shop that I found and a 7-time Tour de France competitor. We worked on shifting your weight on the bike to make good turns and then headed out for a group ride. It was a nice ride. It is a little different riding with a group, but easy to get used to. Not sure how far we rode, but it was nice for a Wednesday evening ride. Gotta get out during the week more, it might help me stay sane!

Looking forward to trying out the regular Wednesday night women's rides, but a little worried the pace might be a bit quick. I'm aiming for two weeks. Next week is a bike maintenance clinic. Best part about all of the bike things that I am doing?? They are free!!!!

No stats for the ride, just a relaxing mid-week ride! :)