Back to Back Outdoor Rides

Saturday 40 miles 2:22 with temperatures of 30 at the start and 38 at the end.
Sunday 33 miles 2:03 with temperatures of 44 at the start and 41 at the end.

Rick aka the Prince is modeling the new teamroll podium hat

Saturday's ride was very cold, but the roads were clear and traffic was low.  It was really a beautiful day to be outside.  The fields were covered with clean white snow from record snow falls in February.  We have only had a few days above freezing since the last snow so the fields had a glass like glaze over the white untouched blanket.  Dropped over this blanket of snow was a crystal clear blue sky with absolutely no wind, which is very rare in Central Ohio.

 The pace was a little high to start the first outdoor ride for many.  In the first 1/2 mile we were on a 18.5 mph pace, at 30 degrees it doesn't take long to warm up.  Of course with a self created wind chill of 17 degrees it does take a little extra time to warm up.  As we moved out into the country into Johnstown and Croton it was interesting to see the ice still on the branches of the trees.  Evergreens and dogwoods stilled covered in ice and frost, yet here we are riding at around 20  mph in a double pace line.  The shame of it was I forgot the camera.  This setting is not without a few new challenges for the cyclist, things like new potholes and icy patches under a melting surface.  These things and learning to ride in a group again always makes the first few rides of the year keeps the rider on their toes.  There were a few stretches where we were riding very well as a unit and the pace was up around 20-22 mph, the sun was warm, the pace was good and I was feeling fairly strong.  I wanted to shout out in utter joy at finally being able to be outside and doing something that I truly enjoy.

Preparing for early spring ride

Sunday was a lot warmer in the 40s.  The wind had picked up a little, but still a very pleasant day.  For the second day in a row we had over 15 riders for the early spring @teamroll ride.  This ride took us through Delaware, Knox, and Morrow counties.  Once again the rolling snow white fields were beautiful under another clear blue sky.

The route was flat for the cutoff group, another group headed to Hogback Road in Delaware which is a local climb.  Eight of us took the shorter route and we were riding along very well in a nice double pace line.  Then out of no where this dog pops out from the trees.  No one saw it and no one had time to react.  This dog runs right into Rick who was riding beside me.  I tried to move to the left and give him a way out, but as soon as I took one pedal stroke to the left Rick was on his side.  My rear tire ran over something, I'm not sure if it was the dog or Rick's wheel.  This happened on Carter's Corner or Wilson Roads, I think.  The good news is Rick was only mildly banged up, some abrasions, damaged clothes, and soreness tomorrow.  But no broken bones, spokes, or rims so that is a good thing.  It was a small dog, but getting t-boned at 20 mph will always bring you down.  

Siobhan's pre-ride meal

And yes some of us will eat almost anything before we ride.  The GUs are good for a ride but the gloves are a little hard to break down in the digestive system.

Looks like the gloves are working