Daily Ride Thread

Went for a nice 12 mile ride today. The weather was near perfect with a high temp of about 62. The only downside was the wind was pretty stiff at times. I guess it was a good day because in the whole 12 miles I only had one asswipe drive by and yell at me to get off the road. Don't know what his problem was though since I was riding as close to the white line as possible. Not to mention it was on a four lane road, so it's not like I was holding up traffic at all. Oh well, I still enjoyed my ride!

Saturday: 39km training ride with the bike rally I've joined.

Woke up at 6:45, checked the weather and almost bailed because it was cold and calling for snow/rain. I decided to suck it up, pack on a few extra layers and head out.

Weather was agreeable for the first bit of the ride, sun poking out just enough to warm me up, but started to get a bit wet near the tail end of the ride.

Really enjoying doing group rides - my first year doing them, and its kind of neat to see everyone venture out together as a big group. Once the roads start to open up and less stop-lights to keep people bunching together, everyone starts to split apart -- occasionally passing other riders, or being passed - now and then keeping pace with each other for a bit of company.

Coming in at the end is nice to chat with others, sadly the weather was getting too cold and starting to snow again, so not many people hung around at the finish to chat, more a "quick stretch and home before we freeze".

Sunday: 51km - my own leisurely pace

I've done part of this loop once before, and was neat to see how long it is now that I actually have a GPS for my bike and can map the routes. Ventured up a main city street until I got to a belt-line path, and weaved through parks heading to the north/west side of the city to get to the top of the Humber River Trails, and started to snake my way back down.

Was more of a leisurely pace for me. Weather was nice and sunny, the temperatures had warmed up (low to mid teens), with a bit of a cool breeze coming off of the water. I'd stop and take more rests, enjoy the sights of the city -- I figure the Saturday rides are more for pushing speed/etc, today I'd take my time (and soon I'll have organized Sunday training rides).

The traffic on the city streets when I was on them were not too bad, and the trails were not that busy so I could pick up some nice speed here and there and not play 'dodge the meandering child'. I did make the mistake of going into High Park on the way in, the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom and everyone and their pet dog was there to see it - had to get off my bike and walk it for a bit. Was relived once I was out of the park and able to peddle again.

All in all, I think the ride took me a little under 3 hours - not the fastest time, but was enjoyable. My legs are hurting me today and the short ride into work seemed like it took more effort than usual 😉