Me? At the bike shop? Must have me confused with someone else.

The weather scared off one friend from riding with me today and the other had a family engagement come up, so I rode solo. I needed to get groceries for dinner tonight, and decided to stop in at the local bike shop. I needed, uhm, new cleats. Meg suggested that might help after I almost landed on my face a couple of times when I did not unclip when I expected to yesterday. I did not look at any cross bikes while at the shop. That might have had more to do with the shop owner trying to get ready for the ride that was leaving in 15 minutes, but I’ll never tell. Heather

Ride stats:

Distance: 7.5 miles
Temperature: 68˚
Ride category: Groceries NOT cross bike research. No, not that.

The most fun I’ve had in 1.7 miles. Ever.

Karen is actually the “cross nut” here at the blog, but I’ve wanted to give it a try for a while. Phew, so glad to be out of the cyclocross closet. You race around off-road, on a road bike, and usually get covered in a lot of mud. Excellent! Through this blog, I’ve met two women who cyclocross. I thought I would ask them for their advice about starting out in the sport. Shannon was nice enough to answer my questions even though she had just moved across a couple of states to her new house, and Meg was nice enough to invite me over for my first cyclocross lesson tonight. I did not try jumping over the barriers (yes, in Meg’s backyard, how cool is that!) pictured in the above photo. Meg had me work on coasting (who knew that was a skill?), dismounting, mounting, and lifting the bike. I am most definitely hooked. I am happy to report no one at work won the pool for which bone I would break, but I have high hopes for a decent bruise on the right shin.

Three for three

I worked an overnight shift last night, so I was debating whether my idea to pedal to the library was really a good one or not. The very small part of my brain that functions like I’m in my twenties still, said why the hell not, it’s not that far. My forty year old brain (also small in size) was all right with the decision after I pedaled by the “cheap” gas station in town. After getting into the habit of doing a lot of my local errands over the winter on the bike, I really have a hard time justifying taking the car out once it is parked after work. Even if I just did a mid shift on very little sleep. I took a nap before I headed out, of course.

Besides the run to the library, I had some other errands. I was lucky enough to find bike parking at all of my stops (town hall, library, bank):

Ride stats:

Distance: 10.2 miles
Temperature: 62˚ (felt cooler, maybe from the wind gusts)
Elevation: lowest = 249.3 ft / highest = 505.1 (∆ 255.8 ft)
Ride category: Errands

Heather

Bike Tune Up Done, Wednesday Evening Ride Planned

Today I came home to a message the machine stating the tune up on the road bike was complete, I could pick her up anytime.  I’m working a 7 day stretch, just completed day #4, so I’ll swing by the bike shop after work to pick up the Dolce Elite.  With my road bike ready to roll, I’m sneaking a ride in Wednesday night after work (already have a sitter lined up for my outing).  If anyone cares to join me, please email me at sipclipandgo AT gmailDOT com. 

This weekend I’m taking the road bike to the cape for some fresh salt air and fairly flat riding.  I’m hoping to get at least two rides in, a third looking unlikely due to weather.  Look for future posts about the bike trail on Cape Cod and bike security measures in Provincetown.

–Karen

Mother’s Day Mountain Bike Ride

My Mother’s Day treat to myself today was a ride at Batchelor Street in Granby, MA. I road alone today, something I normally like to avoid since my crash in Granby 3 years ago. But I found the solitude extremely grounding as I reflected on a great many things while on the trail.

One of the qualities I so enjoy about mt biking is the paralells between the sport and life. Mt biking always seems to have a lesson to teach me, and today I learned a lot. Here are some metaphors I concluded upon while mediating on my trek today:

1.) Approach obstacles slowly, but with force, momentum, and clear intent.
2.) Learn to pick a line.
3.) Follow the line you pick.
4.) Understand that in the trail there will be obstacles that will never, ever yield to you. They will eat your bike. Find a path around these obstacles.
5.) Understand that in the trail there are obstacles that will shift under your surest of footing. They will throw you off your bike. Find your balance, and maintain awareness at all times.

I started my ride off rough, mostly because I’m in the road biking frame of mind which involves higher speeds. After I settled down and eased up–I did a lot better. I hiked-a-bike it often in the beginning, and as my confidence returned, not at all. And for the first time I descended a particularly treacherous portion of the main trail that I have never been able to descend without dismounting. I was pretty psyched about that.

All & all, it was a great way for this mom to have a little fun –Karen

How did that happen?!

How the hell did seven days go by, and I did not get out on the bike at all? What have I been doing if I’m not on the bike? Let’s see:

I went hiking with my sister and two of the four dogs at Chesterfield Gorge. I actually had a bike agenda while there. I was checking to make sure it was a decent introduction to mountain biking for my friends from work. No worries Ellen and Donder, the hills are practically flat. You’ll love it.

I worked an overnight OT shift. I was a little wiped out after that; it was best if I stayed close to home.

Yesterday I went out on the Deerfield River for a fly fishing lesson. I’ve mentioned before I work occasionally at Zoar Outdoor, and that is one of the activities they offer. I expressed an interest in learning and possibly guiding trips in the future, so they hooked me up with a seasoned guide who gave me my first lesson. I now have to figure out how to split my rebate check between biking and fly fishing gear. Please, don’t let the General know! Heather

Ride stats:

Distance: 10.6 miles
Temperature: 54˚
Elevation: lowest = 249.3 ft / highest = 505.1 (∆ 255.8 ft)
Ride category: Library returns

Mama Gets What She Wants

Titanium Chain Link Bracelet

Originally uploaded by sipclip&go

 

Being a single mom is tough business, so I’m always grateful when my little angel gives me a small token of his appreciation each year on Mother’s Day. My three year old demonstrates remarkable dexterity with a mouse as he pointed & clicked his way over to Overstock for this little trinket. Who says being a mom is thankless? It should be here for my big day Thanks Brady, Mommy loves you. –Karen

UPDATE TO THIS POST 5/11/08:

I received this piece of jewelry in time for Mother’s Day.  I love it, except it’s made for a man, and it literally falls right off my hand if I try to wear it as a bracelet.  I’m wearing it on my ankle, where it fits great, and I already got a compliment from one of the mechanics in the bike shop I frequent :) 

 

An ebay auction of interest

A lot of us in the biking blog-o-sphere are well aware of Elden and his exploits at his blog, fatcyclist.com. Unfortunately, the news as of late has been devastating for Elden and his family. I was reading his latest post re what was in his inbox, and started on the comments. I then got to the 57th (of 85 and growing!!) re an ebay auction going on. The person running the auction, elf040180, purchased a Giro d’Italia cycling jersey while in Italy. After he read about Susan’s latest diagnosis, he put it up for auction with 100% of the purchase going to Elden, Susan, and their family for their trip to Italy. If you’re interested, go check out item #140230664899. Heather

No wimps here!

The other day at Toby while Karen was trying to get photos, and I was hiding behind the map, she says, “Heather, it’s a biking blog, we need photos of people riding bikes.” So, here you are Karen, a photo of people riding bikes:

My friends Ellen and Donder joined me for today’s ride. Ellen and I had to work, and in order to make sure Donder did not wimp out (what’s a little sprinkle), we might have left a few messages on her cell and home phone. Not the gazillion she accused me of, though. I have never laughed so hard while riding before. For example, Donder’s explanation of riding with me, “Ellen, we let Heather go first. If she survives whatever comes our way, we should be just fine.” Notice the distance they are maintaining? Probably so they have enough time to react in case whatever came our way left a mark on me.

Ride stats:

Distance: 7.3 miles
Temperature: mid 50s
Ride category: Finally letting Ellen borrow a bike. I even got it back!

 

Toby Delivers: Mountain Biking

Heather & I had a blast today riding at Mt.Toby. Toby’s a great location because it’s pretty much right between our residences geographically, plus the riding is good. The first half was all climb–something that is NOT a strength of mine. I hike-a-biked it several times. There were several “water features” after the last few days of rain, and the trail was fire road/double track with lots and lots of loose rock, making for some technical climbing and descending. Some of the downhill left me with cramped hands it was so intense.  What I enjoyed most was just being outside and playing, and getting a little dirty doing it.  Nothing like a little mud to make a girl feel twelve again :)  –Karen