New Southern Cal rider

[JBlackmar]

Hi, John from NY here... Had the privilege of meeting Brandy on the Santa Ana River trail last week, while I was out staying with my in-laws in corona del mar for the week over thanksgiving. Just wanted to say hi, and thanks for the directions. I'll definitely get back in touch with this forum before heading back out West - probably in February - the riding out there is great!

[BCIpam]

Hi, John from NY here... Had the privilege of meeting Brandy on the Santa Ana River trail last week, while I was out staying with my in-laws in corona del mar for the week over thanksgiving. Just wanted to say hi, and thanks for the directions. I'll definitely get back in touch with this forum before heading back out West - probably in February - the riding out there is great!

John from NY - next time you are out if there's not a BF ride for you to join check out some of the other clubs that ride in the area - Bike Club of Irvine (bikeirvine.org) and Orange County Rebel Riders (ocrebels.com). Each Club offers great rides on the weekend. The Group are very friendly and there is usually lots of socializing during and after. Not to say you can't get in a hard ride with either group - both contain very strong, fast riders as well as the more pokey folks like me.

February is a great month for riding in OC. Hope to see you then!

[thomson]

I think the next time John comes out here, that is an occasion to organize a BF ride.

[Brandy]

Hey John! Glad to see that you found Bike Forums. :) Hope that you enjoyed your ride that day! Be sure to let us know next time you're going to be out, no offense to Pam and her suggestion of joining a BCI ride, but the BF folks are always able and willing to organize rides...even for out of towners. ;)

[JBlackmar]

Thanks - I'll check in again when we know the date of our next trip. Exposure to out of towners might be good for you guys... all this talk about cold temperatures, and wearing tights in 65+ temps. It's a little rediculous :) It's dropping down to 25 here tonight, but tomorrow will be a warm 45 - perfect for riding in tights.

[jschen]

Welcome. :)

[Drew12]

Thanks - I'll check in again when we know the date of our next trip. Exposure to out of towners might be good for you guys... all this talk about cold temperatures, and wearing tights in 65+ temps. It's a little rediculous :) It's dropping down to 25 here tonight, but tomorrow will be a warm 45 - perfect for riding in tights.


At 25 you wouldn't even get me out of the house....

[Brandy]

At 25 you wouldn't even get me out of the house....

+1. It was 44 when I started riding the other morning and I couldn't feel my feet for 10 miles. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[JBlackmar]

Wool-type sox, gortex liners over then, and then booties over the shoes. That usually works to about 28. Ride harder and faster and spin faster, and you'll warm up in no time. (that's what I keep telling myself).

[JBlackmar]

sorry, socks. It's late here, I'm tired.

[Brandy]

I know it can be done, I was underdressed...but honestly, it was 44 at the start, but by ten or so miles into my ride, I had my windbreaker off and then shortly thereafter, I was taking off the arm warmers as well. I think that's the problem in my mind...it's freezing cold (to us...lol) but warms up and you're stuck with all of this extra gear and nowhere to put it.

[JBlackmar]

Yeah, that's the problem, only so much room in the back pockets. I'm signing off now, I'll try to keep checking in, but you might not hear from me until February. Thanks again.

[Drew12]

I know it can be done, I was underdressed...but honestly, it was 44 at the start, but by ten or so miles into my ride, I had my windbreaker off and then shortly thereafter, I was taking off the arm warmers as well. I think that's the problem in my mind...it's freezing cold (to us...lol) but warms up and you're stuck with all of this extra gear and nowhere to put it.


You can leave a trail of gear on the road. that way either we'll find you, or you can find your way home...
How much is coming off will determin if we follow or not..:D

[Cleave]

Hello JBlackmar,

Can't tell you how many times I've driven through Armonk. In fact I drove through there this past summer on my way from JFK to South Salem where my brother lives. Started racing on Long Island and the rest of the Northeast during the mid-1970s and through 1979 I would drive all over the place to race.

Yes, the SoCal version of cold is different from the Northeast version. However, an old Italian cycling book by C.O.N.I. (don't ask me what it means) recommended long tights if it was cloudy and less than 65 degrees F or if it was sunny and less than 60 degrees F. The reason given was to maintain the proper viscosity of the fluid that lubricates the knee joint. I pretty much still follow this rule.

Anyway, I'm sure that we'll run across each other when you make it out this way.

[LCI_Brian]

However, an old Italian cycling book by C.O.N.I. (don't ask me what it means) recommended long tights if it was cloudy and less than 65 degrees F or if it was sunny and less than 60 degrees F. The reason given was to maintain the proper viscosity of the fluid that lubricates the knee joint.
Ah, that's why my knees only bug me part of the time when I ride without knee warmers when it's in the low 60s.

[Mo'Phat]

You're not THE John from New York, are you? Do you know Bill, from Queens?


/sarcastic prick in the morning...don't mind me.