It is cold out there. At least that is what I thought until I was coming down the hill on Holmdel Road and I passed a runner wearing shorts, a Florida sweatshirt with the sleeves rolled up, no gloves and no hat. Until that moment I thought I was pretty tough but this guy must have had nails for breakfast.
My new thought is that if the sun is out and I am at home I am going for a ride. I might draw the line if the temperature gets below freezing. I did not have time to go on Saturday but I was bound and determined to get one in today. I could only get 28 miles since I had promised my daughter that I would drop her and her friend off at the Clearview Theater in Red Bank to catch Juno. I checked the air in my tires and go on the road at about 10:15 AM.
I wanted to be back before noon so I knew I had to stay in the Holmdel - Marlboro - Colts Neck area. Once I got over the Holland Road - Telegraph Hill I started to feel good. Even though it was cold the sun was bright and it gave the feeling of warmth. The ride was easy until I got to Phalanx Road in Colts Neck. The wind was in my face until I turned off on to Laird for the trip back home.
I expected the ride to be just over 20 miles. It was actually just short of 28. Not too bad for the first ride in about 2 weeks.
I still have not made the investment in a trainer. I am thinking of getting a trainer and the 54 Langster Comp. This way I can have the bike setup to ride indoors but my Langster will be ready to go whenever there is an oportunity.
8 comments:
Just thought to leave a comment - interesting post. Hope you find a trainer that works for you.
Thank you for reading my blog. I actually have the trainer picked out. I just have to get over to pick it up.
Which trainer did you pick out?
Theresa
Mike at the Peddler recommends the Fluid which also happens to be the one he sells. I have been on the fence about a trainer since I belong to a gym and I usually do not go on the days I ride. I have been thinking of using the winter months for strength training.
I am going to get a fixed gear track bike to ride on it as well. I just have to get over there. I had today off but it just did not work out. Maybe next weekend.
I have the cyclops fluid - got it at Dicks in Freehold. I like it. I used to belong to the Power of One but found with the trainer, I stopped going to the gym. Something to think about. You might want to reconsider the trainer just to keep you heading to the gym and getting a more overall work out rather than just riding like me.
I've also found that the trainer is harder on my body than regular riding. I'm not sure if it's my imagination but I can head out for 2 or 3 hours on the bike and feel great but am not only wiped out after an hour 15 min on the trainer but also very sore (back, neck, knees)
If you do get a trainer, I recommend Carmichael Training Vids over Spinervals. I have both and have ended up getting more CT. The thing is, both of them rely heavily on changing gears to mimic outdoor riding. You'll have a hard time doing that on a fixed gear ;)
I've been watching "living the dream" on HD - have you seen it? Two guys given the opportunity to ride one stage of the Tour - very interesting! And they got brand new state of the art Trek Madones!
T
Hi Theresa,
The first time I did a spinning class I was surprised by how hard it was. I am wiped out after a 60 minute class with 30 minutes of warm up.
The Cycleops Fluid Trainer is the one I have my eye on.
What kind of bike are you riding?
Thank you for reading my blog.
Patrick
I ride a 2006 WSD entry level Trek 1000. I had kind of a rough first year with it, lots of shifting problems. Couple of local wrenchs looked at it but it wasn't until I got it over to the wrench at Bike Haven that the problems were resolved. :) Put 2000 miles on it in 2007 without a hitch. I'll get it back over there w/in the next week to get new tires and it's annual tune up.
I really REALLY want an upgrade and I regret not buying a better bike right off the bat but I didn't know at the time that I'd get hooked on cycling.
I'm just an average rider. I try to get in 100 miles a week during the warm months but very lazy now during the off months. Picked up 27 miles last week on that warm day - try to hit the trainer for 15 to 17 miles two or three times a week. My avg speed cruising around Colts Neck is 14 to 15 mph (not breaking any speed records!) I ride inland during the winter and through Rumson to Sea Bright and along the ocean (with all the other roadies) in the summer.
Wow - so that's my stats - TMI? LOL!
T.
Hi Theresa,
I know the folks at Bike Haven. I was going to by a Bianchi Fremont from him but I liked the Langster better. The head mechanic there is very good.
I do not have to worry about shifting since I only have one gear. I do not have quick release hubs and I have to carry an extra wrench. It is great fun though.
Take care. Maybe I will see you out on the roads. We may have even passed each other.
Take care,
Patrick
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