No, I didn't do it. But I followed the route towards Wachussetts (if I did the climb it would be about 120 miles or so round trip). I didn't know about the planned formal ride, or I might have joined the 1000+ strong peloton from Concord over to the climb. Mike ended up running into the "packs" of riders along the way---I did too, only I didn't know they were an organized ride and they were obviously so far off the back that they were not going to get to the clouds. I left later than Mike, as I couldn't peel away from the TV and the days' Tour stage...
There was another ride going on called the "Memory Ride". Not sure what they were remembering, but I'm sure the woman who got side swiped by a car (who "hit and ran") will have something new to add to her memory ride. She was OK, but it was a chaotic jaunt out of town on the bike today, that's for sure.
My road took me out towards Bolton---through Maynard, Stowe (home of Bose) and I rode until my "map ran out". I never looked at my map, but I didn't want to need to. Luckily, Mike called me and left me turn by turn directions on the phone "just in case". It was hot and humid, but it is really fine weather for riding. It just bites for anything else.
And I had nicely paved roads for a change (yes, no pot-holes) and it makes such a difference. I've never seen such beat up roads as those from Boston to about 15-20 miles in all directions out of the city. Apparently, instead of spending tax dollars on quality roads, these very wealthy communities spend their money on education and the "Big Dig". Now everyone is mad because it looks like they were cutting corners with those dollars and one of the tunnels broke apart and killed a gal last week [The Big Dig is network of roads that go underground and stay off the local streets---a nice idea but 15 years and lots of dollars and politics in the making!] . Now the traffic is horrendous and there's only one way in and out of the airport. Sigh.
We just were outside; I was playing soccer with the Scrapper and Mike was doing the weekly cleaning and maintenance on our bikes (I am very fortunate to have him take such good care of my ride!), and I looked at the thermometer---almost 100 degrees! And as much as I'd like to, I refuse to complain about the heat. In the heat---I can still ride...in the cold, I am hosed. I doubt we'll be cooking tonight though. Guess pizza and beer is on the menu!
Have a wonderful Sunday evening! Happy Birthday ( a day late) to Tom!!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
I "heart" LA
Somehow, when I talk about California, folks just lump it all together. Hey, I'm the "NorCal" girl. But this "NorCal" gal is heading to "SoCal" at the end of the month. Right state---just about 500 miles too far South for this Seven Cyclist---bike pedaler and peddler! I haven't been to my "home" state in going on two years---so it'll be nice to see the Pacific Ocean again. Everyone [here] is probably worried about sending me to NorCal---afraid I might not come back to New England. Perhaps they're on to something?
Last night I rode after work in the sultry evening air. This is easily as humid as the Southeast. The weather channel keeps using words like "heat-wave" and "oppressive". The most comfortable time is the time on the bike. Too bad I just can't ride all day. I'm sweating right now as I type. I sweat when I get out of a cool shower. Oddly, I don't seem to sweat on the bike. Perhaps I am riding too slowly?
Today I rode through Great Brook Farm again. It was quiet and no one was there. I came upon these police barricades...and rode right past them. Hmmm? A little further into the forested roadway, I saw the policemen. Apparently a stack of trees had tumbled onto a "live" wire and the road was blocked. I was hoping I wasn't going to have to back track, and a policeman told me I could hike up over the stone wall and around, but I couldn't go over the road---I might get electrocuted. I know they assumed I would probably just turn around, but I shouldered my bike and climbed over the stones and hopped out on the other side.
I only rode 45 or 50 miles, but it felt longer. It feels like riding in a wet sauna. I kinda like it until I stop pedaling...then, I just feel sticky. Mike was able to ride about 90 miles today so he is feeling better. We BBQ'd some dinner and sat outside playing soccer with the small hound---a nice Saturday.
I'll be heading down the Santa Monica freeway at the end of July---I hope to get some surfing in "between working" Oh yeah---I "heart" LA!
(as she rolls her eyes sarcastically)
Last night I rode after work in the sultry evening air. This is easily as humid as the Southeast. The weather channel keeps using words like "heat-wave" and "oppressive". The most comfortable time is the time on the bike. Too bad I just can't ride all day. I'm sweating right now as I type. I sweat when I get out of a cool shower. Oddly, I don't seem to sweat on the bike. Perhaps I am riding too slowly?
Today I rode through Great Brook Farm again. It was quiet and no one was there. I came upon these police barricades...and rode right past them. Hmmm? A little further into the forested roadway, I saw the policemen. Apparently a stack of trees had tumbled onto a "live" wire and the road was blocked. I was hoping I wasn't going to have to back track, and a policeman told me I could hike up over the stone wall and around, but I couldn't go over the road---I might get electrocuted. I know they assumed I would probably just turn around, but I shouldered my bike and climbed over the stones and hopped out on the other side.
I only rode 45 or 50 miles, but it felt longer. It feels like riding in a wet sauna. I kinda like it until I stop pedaling...then, I just feel sticky. Mike was able to ride about 90 miles today so he is feeling better. We BBQ'd some dinner and sat outside playing soccer with the small hound---a nice Saturday.
I'll be heading down the Santa Monica freeway at the end of July---I hope to get some surfing in "between working" Oh yeah---I "heart" LA!
(as she rolls her eyes sarcastically)
Friday, July 14, 2006
East of the Mississippi
Mike and I have many discussions lately about this infamous River that divides our great land. While I've lived East of it before...South East in fact, it's been so long ago that all I can remember is that it was lovely when I was there. When you're a kid, and have not much to think about except food and play, and have parents catering to make sure both are plentiful, things like dismal weather and bills to pay are secondary concerns if you're concerned at all.
But much of my life (most of my life) has been spent about as far West of the Mississippi as you can get. Indeed my water of play was an expanse of Ocean that congers up thoughts of adventure, intrigue and rugged explorations---the Pacific Ocean. And Mike has never lived East of the River, in fact he grew up just West of it's shores.
Now we're about as far East of the Mississippi as one can get...along the shores of the "other" ocean. The Atlantic. It's like being in a foreign country where everyone still speaks English...albeit English without R's where there are R's, and where there are A's at the end of a word, they become R's. Like I work with a gal who's name is Jenna. But the local's call her Jenner. And if you want to staRt your caR in Boston, you say, "staht ya cahhhh".
New England. It's a lovely place---with rotten weather. My standards are pretty high. There's a reason why folks live in and pay the price for living in the San Francisco Bay Area. My friend Amanda said it best when she was telling me about her "living somewhere besides the Bay Area". She said, "You know Joni, when you settle in after a long bike ride, and stare out into the Pacific Ocean while watching the sun plop into the water, even if you're subsiding on ramen noodles---it just doesn't get much better than that!" She was right!
I even know transplants who live there [in the Bay Area] and complain about the cost of living, how much they miss the seasons, the traffic, etc. And I know exactly what they're talking about. But they know, it's pretty easy to visit seasons and then come home to "perfect" weather. It's a pretty diverse and amazing country we live in. And I guess I will be the envy of all come Fall! Of course, we'll be slaving away getting ready for Las Vegas and Interbike. I better at least get a day or two to ride my bike in the colors of a New England Fall.
Have a wonderful Friday!
But much of my life (most of my life) has been spent about as far West of the Mississippi as you can get. Indeed my water of play was an expanse of Ocean that congers up thoughts of adventure, intrigue and rugged explorations---the Pacific Ocean. And Mike has never lived East of the River, in fact he grew up just West of it's shores.
Now we're about as far East of the Mississippi as one can get...along the shores of the "other" ocean. The Atlantic. It's like being in a foreign country where everyone still speaks English...albeit English without R's where there are R's, and where there are A's at the end of a word, they become R's. Like I work with a gal who's name is Jenna. But the local's call her Jenner. And if you want to staRt your caR in Boston, you say, "staht ya cahhhh".
New England. It's a lovely place---with rotten weather. My standards are pretty high. There's a reason why folks live in and pay the price for living in the San Francisco Bay Area. My friend Amanda said it best when she was telling me about her "living somewhere besides the Bay Area". She said, "You know Joni, when you settle in after a long bike ride, and stare out into the Pacific Ocean while watching the sun plop into the water, even if you're subsiding on ramen noodles---it just doesn't get much better than that!" She was right!
I even know transplants who live there [in the Bay Area] and complain about the cost of living, how much they miss the seasons, the traffic, etc. And I know exactly what they're talking about. But they know, it's pretty easy to visit seasons and then come home to "perfect" weather. It's a pretty diverse and amazing country we live in. And I guess I will be the envy of all come Fall! Of course, we'll be slaving away getting ready for Las Vegas and Interbike. I better at least get a day or two to ride my bike in the colors of a New England Fall.
Have a wonderful Friday!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
My night to cook....
Last night Mike and I left work together on our bikes, with the Scrapper. The Scrap has slowed down a bit (she's almost 8 after all) and so I rode ahead..."I'll see ya at home...I'm not going to ride tonight---I'l cook dinner". It was a nice evening with no wind and it was kinda warm. When I got home, I thought...well, maybe I'll just go for a short ride. By the time Mike and Syd arrived back at the house, I was suited up in my riding clothes.
"I'm just going to go for a short spin..." Mike wasn't riding and he was going to manage dinner. I really was only planning on a short 18 mile loop since I just spent 4 days of good riding and I was kinda tired after a long day at "The Factory". Next thing I knew I was in Concord, and my one hour spin turned into a two-plus hours spin. It was one of those still and calm evenings. There is a section where you cross over the Lexington River and it's all surrounded with fabulous trees and the road climbs and descends over the river. You could see the Sky reflected in the water such that you couldn't tell the Sky from the water.
I got lulled into the terrain and forgot the time. Mike does this to me all the time and so it wasn't that I felt guilty---but it felt very indulgent. Especially when I arrived home to a Whole wheat pasta feed, complete with steamed broccoli and a spinach salad just as the sun was about to set. After a shower I settled into my feast while watching the end of the Tour stage---with a smiling husband.
I was going to wake up early and ride this morning, but believe or not, we woke up to RAIN. Not sprinkles either. RAIN. Even so, I stayed at work late and when Mike left early to go for a long over-due ride, I knew it was "my turn" to return the good deed. So I made a special Chinese dinner feast of Steamed rice, baked tofu and spicy garlic broccoli so that he can come home tonight and enjoy the Tour.
I'm off to go and play with Sydney in the New England dusk---and Mike and I will watch the Tour and feast. Boring? Probably sounds that way. Lovely? You bet it is! The best news? Tomorrow is already Friday!!! Happy Thursday!
"I'm just going to go for a short spin..." Mike wasn't riding and he was going to manage dinner. I really was only planning on a short 18 mile loop since I just spent 4 days of good riding and I was kinda tired after a long day at "The Factory". Next thing I knew I was in Concord, and my one hour spin turned into a two-plus hours spin. It was one of those still and calm evenings. There is a section where you cross over the Lexington River and it's all surrounded with fabulous trees and the road climbs and descends over the river. You could see the Sky reflected in the water such that you couldn't tell the Sky from the water.
I got lulled into the terrain and forgot the time. Mike does this to me all the time and so it wasn't that I felt guilty---but it felt very indulgent. Especially when I arrived home to a Whole wheat pasta feed, complete with steamed broccoli and a spinach salad just as the sun was about to set. After a shower I settled into my feast while watching the end of the Tour stage---with a smiling husband.
I was going to wake up early and ride this morning, but believe or not, we woke up to RAIN. Not sprinkles either. RAIN. Even so, I stayed at work late and when Mike left early to go for a long over-due ride, I knew it was "my turn" to return the good deed. So I made a special Chinese dinner feast of Steamed rice, baked tofu and spicy garlic broccoli so that he can come home tonight and enjoy the Tour.
I'm off to go and play with Sydney in the New England dusk---and Mike and I will watch the Tour and feast. Boring? Probably sounds that way. Lovely? You bet it is! The best news? Tomorrow is already Friday!!! Happy Thursday!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy July 4th - With Love from Beantown
The last few weeks, Mike has been sick with whatever he gets every year. He finally went to the doctor last Friday, and she said, in no uncertain terms, "Stay off the bike for a week!" And for the first time in a long time, he took these precautions to heart and heeded her words. Let's just say that the fact that we were finally heading into a sunny and fairly rain free weekend, Mike's "willpower" was put to the test---especially since his wife, who had no "orders" from the doc, was free to ride in what felt like summer weather.
I rode almost 180 miles these last few days---long over due indeed. It doesn't sound like very much maybe, but it sure felt like alot of time in the saddle. Most folks around here leave for the coast or other spots and so I had the roads to myself. All the local attraction spots were packed (Walden Pond, Concord Center, Lexington Center, Minutemen National Forest, Great Brook Farm and all the ice creameries around Carlisle and Chelmsford) and I would have hated being stuck in a car looking for a parking spot, but on a bike---well it was nice indeed.
Here's a fun fact---did you know that Walden Pond is spring fed from underground? It's filtered through all the sand in it's bottom and it's like being in freshly filtered, pure water. Pretty cool huh?
On Sunday I saw the most cyclists ever. Everyone was riding to Fitchburg I think and it looked like several "Spectrum" Saturday rides---Of course I got dumped on by a rain shower---but it didn't rain in Watertown and so Mike never saw it.
Today I was treated to quite a sight on my ride through Carlisle. What I had first thought were two recumbents turned out to be two guys on wheelchair bikes. No leg power---just arm power. One guys legs were dangling from beneath his seat---when he came storming passed me I though he didn't have any legs...but he did---they just were dangling, tucked beneath him somehow. I caught back up to them on a slight uphill section, but I could barely keep up. What hammers!
When we came to a stop, I told them both that the Tour de France riders had nothing on them. They smiled and I gave them my vote for the yellow jersey for the day. They were having fun---hammering each other, and their arms were stronger than my legs. Folks on upright bikes had a hard time keeping up with them. It made my day, and ego in tact, I rode on my merry way!
So now it's dumping rain. What a shock. It's actually been so hot and humid, and I rode for four hours, so I don't even mind. There's plenty of Tour de France action to watch---The Aerosmith guys are doing a free concert with the Boston Pop's on the esplanade on the Charles River tonight during the fireworks ---6 miles away from our place. I bet I'll be watching it on TV though.
Happy and Safe 4th of July to you! This is Joni, reporting LIVE from Beantown! I miss you!
I rode almost 180 miles these last few days---long over due indeed. It doesn't sound like very much maybe, but it sure felt like alot of time in the saddle. Most folks around here leave for the coast or other spots and so I had the roads to myself. All the local attraction spots were packed (Walden Pond, Concord Center, Lexington Center, Minutemen National Forest, Great Brook Farm and all the ice creameries around Carlisle and Chelmsford) and I would have hated being stuck in a car looking for a parking spot, but on a bike---well it was nice indeed.
Here's a fun fact---did you know that Walden Pond is spring fed from underground? It's filtered through all the sand in it's bottom and it's like being in freshly filtered, pure water. Pretty cool huh?
On Sunday I saw the most cyclists ever. Everyone was riding to Fitchburg I think and it looked like several "Spectrum" Saturday rides---Of course I got dumped on by a rain shower---but it didn't rain in Watertown and so Mike never saw it.
Today I was treated to quite a sight on my ride through Carlisle. What I had first thought were two recumbents turned out to be two guys on wheelchair bikes. No leg power---just arm power. One guys legs were dangling from beneath his seat---when he came storming passed me I though he didn't have any legs...but he did---they just were dangling, tucked beneath him somehow. I caught back up to them on a slight uphill section, but I could barely keep up. What hammers!
When we came to a stop, I told them both that the Tour de France riders had nothing on them. They smiled and I gave them my vote for the yellow jersey for the day. They were having fun---hammering each other, and their arms were stronger than my legs. Folks on upright bikes had a hard time keeping up with them. It made my day, and ego in tact, I rode on my merry way!
So now it's dumping rain. What a shock. It's actually been so hot and humid, and I rode for four hours, so I don't even mind. There's plenty of Tour de France action to watch---The Aerosmith guys are doing a free concert with the Boston Pop's on the esplanade on the Charles River tonight during the fireworks ---6 miles away from our place. I bet I'll be watching it on TV though.
Happy and Safe 4th of July to you! This is Joni, reporting LIVE from Beantown! I miss you!
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