spring classic

Saturday I rode in the first organized, supported, pay ride of the the season for the Johnson County Bicycle Club, the Spring Classic. There was roving SAG support and one, two, or three stops, depending on the route you chose,  with water, sports drink, fruit, and snacks to re-energize riders as they rode. Maps were provided with directions for a 23 mile loop, a 46 mile loop, and a 70 mile loop.

These pictures should give you an idea of the kind of weather we're having today, the last several days, really. But, I checked the forecast mid-week, and again this morning, and it seemed like the morning would be dry, and the afternoon, not so much. So I opted for the 46 mile loop. With a little warm-up ride around the parking lot I actually rode 47.5 miles. And I felt the first drop of rain at 46.5 miles, confirming that I had made the right decision.

Even with my warm-up, and some healthy rollers along the way, I averaged 14 mph, which, for me, is good. I noticed how I seemed more inclined to push harder when there were other riders around me. Trying to stay out in front, or not fall too far behind, proved an incentive that I don't have when I'm riding by myself.

Six more weeks until Biking Across Kansas. To prepare for BAK I'll continue to put in miles, and try to  prepare for wind,  rolling hills, and every kind of weather imaginable. Hand-in-hand with the miles, is the added bonus of dropping a few pounds, which helps me do more miles. A good "cycle" to get stuck in.

sunshine

I headed west out of town and passed this house which has always made me think it belongs in the southwest, not eastern Kansas. Just down the road is a small development called GreenTree. I rode down GreenTree Lane, Greentree Drive, and GreenTree Way. There were plenty of green trees, and plenty of loose dogs. I had several different breeds give chase to me. They didn't bite or jump, but they got close enough to let me know that they could. Several others just barked as if cheering them on. Fortunately I stayed remarkably calm and rode out unscathed.

I stopped about halfway through a 40 mile loop and snapped a picture as I crossed the train tracks in Gardner.

Everything is getting green, and some of the trees, like these redbuds, are at their most colorful.

Even the bike path is decorated with a splash of color.

It felt really good to get a few miles in, especially as the weekend holds a better chance for rain.

I can't drive 55

But I can ride 55. Actually it was 56.4 miles.  I swear I was fighting the wind for 50 of those miles. But it was still a great day to be on the bike and on the road.

"gail" force winds

You never have the wind with you - either it is against you or you're having a good day. ~Daniel Behrman, The Man Who Loved Bicycles

 I know it's spelled g-a-l-e, but this is getting personal. I wanted to put a name to it. Is it possible for the wind to be against you from four directions on the same ride? OK, it wasn't, but it sure was more of a hindrance as a headwind or crosswind, than a help as a tailwind. But it was still fun to be off the trainer, and riding outside!

flat?

Biking Across Kansas shouldn't be too tough, right? After all research shows that the state is flatter than a pancake. A big, hot, humid, WINDY pancake.

Bring it on!