Winter Rides!!!

I can't believe it's December and we're still riding! (hope I didn't just jinx us for Saturday!). We've been very fortunate that while it's been cold, the roads are clear and we're still able to get out there. It makes me happy that you all are bundling up and coming out every week - with the limited daylight during the work week, the only time most of us ride is on the weekends, and it's great to have your company. I'm pleasantly surprised with the turnout of those new to group rides! We certainly enjoy having you and hope the weather doesn't deter you from coming back.

These winter rides are very enjoyable and relaxing - it's just about getting outside and enjoying the weather and people. As we get deeper into winter, we'll probably slow it down to more of a social ride pace, break out the mountain bikes and just cruise. We can also throw in some "training" rides or intervals once a month or so by heading out to Chatfield to do some hill repeats and the like. I'm open to ideas and want to hear what YOU want to do! Please leave a comment or email me with your thoughts and ideas.

Every time I check the weather it seems to change - right now it says rain/snow on Friday, and 10% chance of rain Saturday with highs in the low 40s. We'll play it by ear, and ride if we're able. If the weather plays out like it currently says, I'm thinking we'll be able to ride, though we might need knobby tires. Check the blog/Facebook on Friday for any updates.

Through winter, if the roads are clear we'll take road bikes; if there's a chance of snow or ice on the ground but it's rideable, we'll do a slower paced "coffee" ride with knobby tired bikes. If you're ever in doubt, click on the "View my complete profile" button under ABOUT ME to send an email to bicyclevillagesw@gmail.com

Thanks again to all of you who have been braving the cold and coming out. It's been a great 2010 riding season, and you all made it that way!
Click here for pictures from this year's rides.

SNOW-vember!!

It had to come eventually! So glad we took advantage of the great weather we had last Saturday. It was truly a picture perfect day.



Outside of a couple of flats, and my cleat trouble (leading to a very entertaining dismount at the shop!) it was a good ride.



Weather reports keep changing for this Saturday. If we are able to ride, we'll head out to REI. Clear or not, it's supposed to be chilly, and what better place to warm up than at Starbucks! Be sure to dress in warm layers, and check back here and/or our Facebook Page to see whether or not the ride has been cancelled. The plan is to update both by 8:30am on Saturdays IF WE CANCEL. If it's really ugly out, we'll update Friday evening.

Just a couple of tips for cool weather riding:

Dress in layers - you'll warm up as you ride, so wear something that's easy to take off and store while on the trail. Leg/arm warmers are great, as they come in many different levels of "warm", and they are easy to remove, store, or adjust on the ride.

Wear breathable, moisture wicking materials. Merino Wool is especially good in the cold as it moves the perspiration off of you before it turns to sweat. This helps maintain your body temperature, and keeps you dry - we've all experienced that clammy feeling you get when you work out in the cold; you start to warm up, sweat, and then your shirt sticks to your back and suddenly you're shivering. The proper clothing can help with this (and it doesn't have to be "cycling specific" - regular, cold weather base layers are just fine; just make sure they're long enough to cover your back while you ride).

Don't forget your head, ears and neck. Wear a lightweight beanie under your helmet (they make thin ones just for cycling), grab your ear-cover-headband-thing, and make sure your jersey or baselayer comes up high enough on your neck to keep you comfortable.

Gloves - our hands are right out there in front taking a lot of COLD wind on them, and those summer, mesh gloves aren't going to cut it. Make sure you have gloves that keep you warm enough to be responsive. We've all experienced hands so cold that you can't even move your fingers, you don't even know if you actually shifted, and they hurt when you try to force them to do something like squeeze your brakes. Keep them warm!!

When it comes to the legs, make sure whatever you wear isn't going to get caught in your chain - long socks help a lot, and compression socks will help keep the blood moving; really cold and I'm wearing tights; you may even wish to try embrocation (WARNING - do not do this for the first time at a ride!!! Also, do it after you put your shorts on).

Lastly, just because it's cold outside, doesn't mean you won't dehydrate. Bring your fluids just like you would any other time of year, and remind yourself to drink it even if you don't feel thirsty.

Personally, I love those crisp, winter rides. You often have the trail all to yourself cutting a new path in the snow!! Then you happen upon the guy walking his dog who looks at you like you're crazy....

Until then, enjoy some more pictures from last Saturday's ride. Hope to see you all this weekend!

November is here!

And the weather is looking GREAT! I had to go check my calendar to make sure it really was November - weather reports are predicting temps in the 70s for Saturday. Perfect riding weather if you ask me!

Since we are moving into winter and the morning temps are a bit chilly, we'll be starting rides at 10:30am. Arrive at the shop around 10-10:15 to check in, check your tire pressure, fill up your water bottles and get any necessary items like an extra tube or a energy snack.

This week, we'll try a new ride taking the 470 trail east of the South Platte, up Colorado to Big Dry Creek Trail back to the Platte and around. It's about 31 miles of "rolling" terrain. Nothing too big and scary. We can stop at Peet's Coffee at SouthGlenn to refuel.

Below is the route map - hope to see you all there!

Saturday, September 25th

Fall is certainly upon us - I'm loving these slightly chilled mornings!!! It's still early in the week, but the forecast for Saturday calls for temps in the 70s. Sounds like perfect riding weather to me! This week, we'll head up the South Platte to REI, with a detour around Sloan's Lake on the way back. It's a relatively flat 36+ mile ride and if you've been riding all summer with some time in the saddle, you will be fine. We'll label this one Recreational/Intermediate because of the distance. As always, it's NO DROP - just come prepared to have fun!