“Ice Needles” is how I described how this morning’s ride felt at one point.
I hadn’t been on the bike since Tuesday. I missed one day of work. I took a cab a few times. I rode the bus some. I walked more miles last week than I have in quite some time.
Tim suggested a Sunday morning coffee ride. The weather was supposed to be cold and wet – in other words perfect.
Tim rode to my end of town and met me at Sunergos. Timothy also showed up, but wasn’t intending to ride. At the beginning of the ride it was simply cold and wet. There was a slight wind, temperatures in the mid-30s, and moderate rain. As the ride continued, the temperatures dropped a bit and the rain started to become sleet. At this point it started to feel like ice needles stabbing into my face.
We headed west to Shawnee Park then out to Riverwalk for a bit before cutting back to streets in Portland. We cut back to the Riverwalk downtown. We had no illusions of pace. Both of us have ridden little recently and are out of shape. It also seemed we had a headwind no matter what direction we were riding.
I was riding my recumbent – the only bike I can ride right now without neck pain. Tim was riding his Rawland. Due to the wet weather, I didn’t take my phone out for a picture, but Tim did.
We eventually made our way to the Beargrass Creek Trail, then Cherokee Park. We wrapped it up at Twig and Leaf for more coffee and omelettes.
It was only a few more miles for me to get home. I was freezing at this point. The precipitation had changed over to big clumps of wet snow. I had one 30mph downhill run and the ice needles really hurt.
After getting home and getting out of my cold, wet clothes, I realized that I felt a lot better than I have in a while. My mental state has really been suffering from not much bike riding. My beer consumption is too high which isn’t helping matters either.
I’ve not had any alcohol today. I’m relaxing this evening with herbal tea. I’ll be riding the bike to work tomorrow.
Today’s ride was 24.4 miles. The route is below.
Nice going on the survival ride. Sometimes it is rewarding to get out and push through those.
I agree, exercise can significantly improve mental outlook.
Well done for keeping going. I know that cold wet feeling, but also know how good the warm glow is when I get home. Hope you get some longer runs and camping trips in again soon.
You do a lot more riding than I do and I consider myself a cyclist. You are more of a cyclist than I am.
Keep it up. You inspire me to try and get out more.
Seemed like you needed it. Success! Even with those frozen hands and toes. I’m just glad there is no more shivering.