Summary of 2011

This year I've done a lot of riding. Excluding workouts at home and gym, I managed to log over 4823 miles on the bike. The summary from Cyclemeter

rides: 221
total distance: 4823
total ride time: 283:31
total calories: 180,247
average distance: 21.83 miles
average ride time: 1:16
average ascent 1278 feet
average calories: 816
number of centries: 4 - king's tour of the quabbin, mount greylock, CRW fall century, major taylor century

Hopefully next year I can get in 5K miles on the bike and do atleast 2 centuries. On my list of centuries for 2012.

Mount Greylock Century
Three notches

If time permits, I would also like to do one of the bumps challenges. Not sure which one yet, but it would be fun to do one.

Stating the obvious

On Sunday I went for a ride around holden. According to accuweather, the real feel temperature was 15 degrees. When I left the house, my water bottle had water in. By the end of the ride, a layer of ice had formed.

I was only out for about 50min and rode about 14 miles. I honestly didn't think it would be enough time for ice to form. I didn't notice until I grabbed the bottle near the end to get a sip.

The worst part of riding in freezing weather is the effect of cold air on the lungs. Even though my torso and legs were warm, taking a deep breathe was tough. That cold air really does a number on the lungs.

Hilarious spoof on Pearl Izumi

I can't stop laughing.



oh man, it's engineered for Uranus.

Pearl Izumi Pro softshell jacket

Now that I've ridden several times with the Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Jacket, I decided to get another one. This time I found the P.R.O. Softshell jacket on sale at Huck N Roll.

http://www.hucknroll.com/pearl-izumi-p.r.o.-softshell-jacket-mens

So far I've been very happy with the Elite softshell jacket. I paid $112.46 for the Elite jacket last week. The P.R.O. jacket only costs $149.96, which is 33% off the retail price of $224.96. Having a second jacket makes it easier to ride every day. Often times I can't ride the clothes immediately after a ride, so it may not be dry by the next day.

Why do people ride?

My kids ask me "why don't you go to the gym instead of riding in the freezing weather?" Honestly, if I could handle spending 30mins on a stationary bike, spin class or gym workout, it would be preferable. Sadly, it's too damn boring and I have a hard time doing it. At some point, I will have to force myself to go to the gym when the road conditions are too bad or the temperatures too cold.

Lots of people ride for different reasons. My reasons are pretty simple, I'm addicted to riding. But that leads to the question of "why are you addicted to riding?"

I could list a bunch of rational reasons like cycling is low impact, great for cardio, gets you outside, and natural scenery. Honestly, I just love the feeling of being on a bike and riding around. I'm not into racing and don't have some hope of being an elite cyclist.

Being on a bike, is a zen thing for me. Everything else just seems to disappear and I'm only focused on riding. Most of the time 99.9% I don't think about work or anything else. My focus is on my cadence, breathing, looking out for potholes, listening to the gears and the feel of my legs. It rejuvenates my body and soul. Even when I'm out of shape, being on a bike for an hour gives me a great feeling.

On the downside, if I don't ride for a few days, I am very cranky. It's totally aweful.

Pearl Izumi long sleeve thermal baselayer

Last week I ordered another baselayer. To my surprise, it wasn't what I expected.
Pearl Izumi Thermal long sleeve baselayer is different than the transfer baselayer.

I have three of these Pearl Izumi transfer baselayer and they work well.

Looking at the pictures, they don't look any different. In terms of warmth, the thermal baselayer is warmer. The material is thicker and feels nice. Hopefully tomorrow I can get up early and go for a ride.

Cold weather gear and drag

Today I went for a ride and the temps were around low 50's. Add a windchill and the temps drop to low 40's. The last few weeks I've noticed how much drag affects you. With a loose fitting windbreaker, I have a hard time maintaining 27mph. With just a long sleeve jersey, I can easily maintain 29mph on flats.

Since stationary bike is super boring, I decided to invest in some warmer clothes. The Pearl iZumi AmFIB tights are great. I ordered the Elite Softshell jacket.

I also bought another long sleeve thermal baselayer. Those are great for every day wear.