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winterbadgerI was thinking more of a leisurely relaxing ride, but found myself embarked on something more like a travaux forcees. Partly my own fault for biting off more than I can chew.
So I decided to try out the W & OD Trail, and drove over to Vienna to get to one of the nearer points I knew of where I could park (we'll leave the silliness of driving somewhere to go cycling as an exercise for the reader.) Then I got on the trail, stopped at a couple of level crossings for streets, and started rolling.
Started off much faster than I usually go. Flat smooth path makes faster easier, and also makes 14 mph not seem like you're going that fast. It was a bit disconcerting becasue the trail is elevated (took me a minute to realise that's because it's an old railroad bed), and I'm a bit wary of heights, especially when I'm zooming along them very fast on something instead of in something. Got (mostly) used to it, though. Beautiful day. Lots of people out, but not too many (plus I'm getting used to the idea of passing people, though I need to work on my timing--I'm too cautious). Many, many road bikes, with people in fancy (though to my eye somewhat silly looking) gear; fewer offroad or hybrid bikes; many pedestrians (walkers and runners); one roller blader; no horses. I ended up doing 6.83 miles round trip; small beans, as always, I know to the experienced biker, but the longest I've done in one ride and really a bit more than I wanted. I had *thought* I stopped and turned around just after 3 miles, but apparently I didn't. :-)
This hobby is like all the others--way too easy to find additional stuff I'd like. I now want another water bottle holder (and bottle ;-) and I'm thinking seriously about a rack. Layering is a smart way to deal with temperature and exercise, but when you have nowhere to put your extra layers when you warm up...
All in all, a lovely time, though! Sunshine (I do enjoy it sometimes!), exercise, nature, bike-ish fun. Yay!
Time for shower, brunch, then some getting ready for tomorrow's wargame before I go off to this afternoon's tailgate and soccer match.
So I decided to try out the W & OD Trail, and drove over to Vienna to get to one of the nearer points I knew of where I could park (we'll leave the silliness of driving somewhere to go cycling as an exercise for the reader.) Then I got on the trail, stopped at a couple of level crossings for streets, and started rolling.
Started off much faster than I usually go. Flat smooth path makes faster easier, and also makes 14 mph not seem like you're going that fast. It was a bit disconcerting becasue the trail is elevated (took me a minute to realise that's because it's an old railroad bed), and I'm a bit wary of heights, especially when I'm zooming along them very fast on something instead of in something. Got (mostly) used to it, though. Beautiful day. Lots of people out, but not too many (plus I'm getting used to the idea of passing people, though I need to work on my timing--I'm too cautious). Many, many road bikes, with people in fancy (though to my eye somewhat silly looking) gear; fewer offroad or hybrid bikes; many pedestrians (walkers and runners); one roller blader; no horses. I ended up doing 6.83 miles round trip; small beans, as always, I know to the experienced biker, but the longest I've done in one ride and really a bit more than I wanted. I had *thought* I stopped and turned around just after 3 miles, but apparently I didn't. :-)
This hobby is like all the others--way too easy to find additional stuff I'd like. I now want another water bottle holder (and bottle ;-) and I'm thinking seriously about a rack. Layering is a smart way to deal with temperature and exercise, but when you have nowhere to put your extra layers when you warm up...
All in all, a lovely time, though! Sunshine (I do enjoy it sometimes!), exercise, nature, bike-ish fun. Yay!
Time for shower, brunch, then some getting ready for tomorrow's wargame before I go off to this afternoon's tailgate and soccer match.
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Date: 2006-04-29 05:06 pm (UTC)I plan to be out on the W&OD tomorrow morning, probably Vienna Community Center to however far I feel like. The ride report will show up on
The extras do add up. Layering is good. I've got arm warmers and leg warmers that I can pull off as the day warms up. Also wear anywhere from 1 to 4 layers over the body. With the right combination I can ride with the temp down to 40f. Rack and pack gives me a place to stow the extra stuff.