Odds and Ends

Last week I was successful in climbing into the saddle each day.  It was a good week for commuting for the three days I was in the office.  I was out sick on Wednesday, but by the end of day, felt well enough to ride a couple miles.  On Friday was at a conference, but hit the fitness room at the hotel for 45 minutes on the stationary bike.  I capped the week off with two great rides this past weekend.

On Saturday, I rode almost twice as far as I had all year.  I went 39.35 miles in just under 2-3/4 hours with a couple of decent climbs.  The day was cooler than predicted and overcast.  I let the bike decide where to go, and by the first 1/2 mile had already gone a different direction than I was thinking I would when I saddled up.  From Waunakee, I ended up riding through Cross Plains to County Hwy S back to Madison.  Heading south of of Cross Plains on Cty P was the first big (relative to the any others to date this year) was ahead.  When I reached the top, I was smiling from ear to ear.  Felt GREAT to conquer the hill.  After coming back down the other side, I turned to head east to Madison.  I wasn't sure where I'd come into town, but I knew I'd get there. Just over 6 miles later, I arrived at the strip malls and mega-churches.  I turned north and let the tailwind push back to Waunakee.

On Sunday, the air had warmed into the upper 70s but the wind had kicked up from the S-SW.  Of the almost 27 miles I rode, about 11 were into the wind and only 7 had it at my back.  And at 6'1", 225, my body acts like a sail when I have a tailwind, but a parachute when riding into it.  This explains why my average speed was under 15 for the ride. 

On another note, THE #BIKESCHOOL JERSEYS ARE HERE! THE #BIKESCHOOL JERSEYS ARE HERE!  

These are the ones that I designed with the help of some twitter friends and the good people at Groucho Sports.  The jerseys can be ordered here if you are interested.  This is really exciting to see my vision come to life as a jersey.  And it's for a great cause!  Part of the profits go to the World Bicycle Relief.  A $114 donation was made just from the pre-order.

At some point soon (I hope), the Loving The Bike jersey and shorts will be on sale.  And a third design may see the light of day too.  This one for #30DaysOfBiking.

Though it is likely that if this one is made it will be different from this. (Though I love this one!)

Anyway, this coming Saturday is the Feed the Need ride in SW WI to raise money for food pantries in that part of the state.  I signed up for the 75 kilometer (about 46.6 mi) ride.  Having just done almost 40 a couple days ago, I am more confident about this ride.  Though I did look at the profile today, and there are four Cat-5 hills to climb.  But, I'd rather have hills to climb than wind to cut through.  Hopefully the weather will be better than what is currently in the forecast - overnight low of 24, high of 44, with some... SNOW!  Not sure I'll be showing off the #bikeschool jersey.  But I'll be wearing it.

Have an incredible week!  Thanks for reading.  Comments welcome.

The Bike Commute Continues

Not a lot to report on my own riding this past week.  I logged 35 miles during the week, including a 12 mile ride on Sunday.  I have been doing the park and ride during the week.  Generally, I park about 3 miles away from the office and ride my bike in.  It's not of riding, but it works out great.  Even in the current weather (in the 20s on the ride to work).

Sunday was a great ride, despite not having acquired the appropriate footwear (see last week's post).  My rides are slower than last fall (ok, summer), but it'll come. As will lung capacity and leg strength.

So, the long and short of it that I rode 5 of the seven days last week.

One new development in the bike world is #30daysofbiking.  What is 30 Days of Biking?!?  Simply a commitment to ride every day for a month in April. 

The only rule for 30 Days of Biking is that you bike every day for 30 days—around the block, 20 miles to work, whatever suits you—then share your adventures online. We believe biking enriches life, builds community, and preserves the Earth. This is the second year, and third round, of 30 Days of Biking!

So, if you like biking and/or want to take a step to improve your health and happiness, make a commitment to ride every day this April.  Register here.

I'm hoping that part of my 30 days will include a charity ride called Feed the Need to benefit local food pantries in southwestern Wisconsin.  Ride distances include 12-mi; 50K, 75K; 100K; and 150K.  There are also run option, duathlons, and a 50K ride-5K run-50K ride combination.  Wanna join me?  Or want more information?  Click the link above.

I would also like to wrap the month up with riding the Coulee Region Bike Tour in LaCrosse at the end of the month (4/30).  There are 32-mile and 62-mile options. 

Big things in the works for April.  Better get busy in March to get ready!

Oh, and before I go, this is a great time to remind my readers that I am raising money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation via the RAGBRAI Team LIVESTRONG.  So far, I am already more than 25% towards my goal.  While I won't be able to ride with the team this year, that doesn't mean the work that LAF does gets time off, too.  If you want to support a great cause, please consider supporting my efforts by making a donation here.  THANKS!