April 2009 – Page 2 – littlecircles

April 12, 2009April 12, 2009

Spirited

Spirited 36 mile ride with the boys this morning. Snow flakes and cold cold wind. New rain gear proved good at shedding the wind – we’ll see how it does when it gets wet – but so far the Shower’s Pass Elite 2.0 is a winner. The design for venting on the new jacket is fantastic – I stayed dry on the inside despite working hard to keep up with the boys on some climbing, and dry after a few long pulls on the front into the cold wind. Coffee at Viva and then I rolled another 10 to hang with the in-laws and family for Easter early dinner. Spent some quality time with the little one reading from the nephew’s vast collection of books and snuggling with an array of cozy warm stuffed animals (a few of them larger than daddy!).

The little one exploring a story of birds...

April 10, 2009April 11, 2009

Streetview

Google Streetview has covered some of our fair city. I discovered this completely by chance today when I clicked a link to a map of a local business I was trying to find. I saw some bikes… so I started wandering around in virtual Burlington – when I came across one of my riding / rando / dirt road / Flèche teammates.

Not far from this image, but heading in the other direction is a local rider I’ve seen all over town – fixed gear, big messenger bag, bell, rolled up jeans with road shoes, and a u-lock. He apparently got in front of the GoogleMobile and was followed down Pearl and up Elmwood.

April 8, 2009April 8, 2009

Dusting

Closing down for the night I watched the rain turn to sleet turn to snow. This morning there was a dusting of the white stuff – nothing sticking to the roads – but it was cold and wet. Certainly de-motivating to get in some decent miles this morning. Cyclists tend to complain about the same things – helmets, drivers, and the weather. I’m officially done with the snow and the wet and I’m complaining. I’m positive that once my new rain gear arrives we’ll have sunny skies and mild temperatures and I’ll never need to wear it.

I was only in the cafe for a few minutes.

April 6, 2009

Calm

A calm morning, drastically different from yesterday when the wind and the lake was trying to push the river back to the mountains. Recovery spin for breakfast along the lake.

Have I mentioned how much I love this cycling cap?

April 5, 2009April 6, 2009

Snow? And Wind

Took off for what was hoped to be a century – but looking at the weather report this morning we knew it would be a stretch. Jim and I worked ourselves northbound to the Islands into an impressive howling wind with snow flurries mixed in to keep it fun. Temps started in the low 30s and barely climbed into the 40s. Cold toes, hands, and a chill building under the plastic jacket (better wet weather gear is on the way).

Jim waiting in the wind. We followed the Lake Champlain Bikeway for much of the ride.

I added another notch to my RCP award training with a stop @ Hero’s Welcome. No cinnamon bun this week – but a chocolate pastry that was wonderfully washed down with some much needed hot hot coffee. Text to the wife and another with words of encouragement to Patrick who was 100 miles into the Old Saybrook 300k… then off south to enjoy a bit of tailwind, and then crosswinds, all the way into town. Another ~80 mile day. It felt like much much more. The last 10 were a struggle, into the wind near the bay, with a respite along the lakefront MUP.

April 3, 2009April 3, 2009

Morning Light

Two snaps from this morning’s ride. I’ve been trying to get my miles in early – before the family is up and functioning. I went out for a hard 30, but there was no fire in the legs or lungs this morning, so I backed off and enjoyed the sunrise, turning my workout into a recovery spin.

April 1, 2009April 1, 2009

Melted

April 1, 2009April 1, 2009

Forward Facing

The little one has outgrown her infant seat… so we moved to a booster in the Bak. I debated padding the box and using one of the over shoulder harnesses – but she tends to fall asleep when we are rolling – so a toddler booster seat keeps her nice and snug without slumping over. I’ve given up some cargo space up front as she’s gotten taller…