#spring riding

Before speed returns in earnest, there is a quieter obligation. Early-season riding is less about proving readiness than restoring trust — between rider, machine, and the road waiting beyond the driveway. The season rarely begins on the road. It begins here — in the quiet attention given to the machine before the first miles of spring. The first warm afternoon of March carries a particular kind…

My usual fraction of the days of the year I ride is 3/8s. Right now I am at 1/4. It is not bad. I am still ahead of those minimums "they" say you need to maintain health. Actually those minimums are kinda dumb. Yet I am relatively healthy.

On Saturday we had the grandkids over and I still got in a quick ride. By quick it was also short. I may have been longer, but I was trying to avoid the deluge. The early morning was sunny, but a storm was on its way.

The astronomers say it is spring. The weather does not agree.

Next week there is a meeting (party) of the new club. There seems to be a direct correlation between cycling and pub attendance. The meeting is at a local which has arguably the best beer selection on the planet. Much of it locally brewed. I have not had a "factory beer" in a very long time. Well Guinness is the exception, but it aint beer.

I am looking forward to the new club. I advise everyone who rides to find a club it is fun. If you cannot find a good fit, organize your own club or at least some ride buddies.

Got another run in to YVR.  34 km 1:20:21

Not fast, but the air is still thick and cold and I am thick with all the layers to keep warm.  That’s my story and I am sticking to it. The good part is my famous fitness factor was under 5 again.  My heart rate stayed down which is good.

The day started out in storms and rain, but the sun came out and dried out that side of town in the afternoon so I had no puddles to deal with. There was a headwind outbound on Ferguson and I did not feel like pushing. I kept my heart rate in the mid 70′s. (%wise) Motivation is a strange thing.  I could have really pushed and did a bit better, just did not want to.  Being out and making distance is what I was after.

The sun is setting later now, and even over a week the shadows are not as long as they just were.  The changes happen fast.  The season is ramping up.

In hot weather and no wind I can do the route in 1:09 or so.  I hope to see a really hot day and still air for a try at a PB.  I think I can do it with a bit of luck.

In about 6 weeks the Lotus club starts rides again.  There is a social before that, but we will have to see how the plague is going for that to happen.  There are a lot of cyclists out.  Most riding is being alone but I have seen small groups and pairs.  I think it is safe to assume anyone out on a hard bike ride does not have a respiratory infection.

This is all routine now.  I have done this many times before.

It is an easy sport to do once you have gained some experience and learned some tribal knowledge.  By easy I of course mean it has a high likelihood of success.  By success I mean it will bring you health and fun and joy.  Yes it is work.  Yes it can be tedious, but yes is is a lot of fun from time to time.

Motorcycle Tips for Safe Spring Riding

Motorcycle Tips for Safe Spring Riding

When you’re a motorcycle rider, there’s nothing like the first hint of warm spring weather to make you want to rev up your bike and hit the open road.

If you’re new to motorcycle riding, here are some safety tips to keep you safer on the road. Even if you’re a seasoned rider, it’s always a good idea to have a brief refresher to make your ride as happy…

Wonderful weather sun a bit of wind not cold, but still cool enough to need a jacket.  Did a loop up Cambie and then decided to trace the Pacific Populaire route through Vancouver.

Several things happened.  I was almost hit by a smart car, I got a flat on my front tire! and I did 8 minute hill in 6:51.  A whole second better.

Just as I was getting ready I got an email from Ray about riding tomorrow.  I said I was riding today, but I will show tomorrow if he is up to it.  The group needs to shake it out and get going.  I guess we can do Sundays from now on.

I did just shy of 70 km and 2 hours 45 minutes.  That is my longest ride this year so far.  The take away is I am not ready for the PP.  I could do it but I would have to stay slow and it would be over 4 hours.  That is a long time.  Nobody I know expressed any interest in doing it so What the hell.