Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Roark goes forth!

Roark, my bike, has had a boring winter. Because of this:

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs415.snc3/25046_1310264849176_1607271639_738229_1119410_n.jpg

Roark spent most of the season here:

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs415.snc3/25046_1310269529293_1607271639_738243_2610601_n.jpg

Meanwhile, his owner grew impatient for spring as he grew bigger and bigger from inactivity:

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs455.ash1/25046_1310262929128_1607271639_738226_5029394_n.jpg

Then the snow melted and Roark, with his owner astride him, ventured forth!

They set off on the usual seven mile route, crossing and following the snowmelt-swollen French Creek.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs435.snc3/25046_1310269609295_1607271639_738245_5902495_n.jpg

Roark was in great shape; his rider, less so. Bike and Clydesdale need to get their timing back. Riding an exercise bike in a gym didn't prepare Roark's owner for riding outside. Still, despite the stiffness and winter-rust, both bike and rider had a good time. It was pleasant to see other cyclists on the road:

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs435.snc3/25046_1310269489292_1607271639_738242_1160940_n.jpg

and other signs of the coming spring, such as fishermen in French Creek, casting in the shadows of the Sheeder-Hall covered bridge.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs455.ash1/25046_1310269449291_1607271639_738241_2169164_n.jpg

Nice Pictures. I went out Saturday and Sunday for the first two rides of the year. Wow, it's frightening how you lose bike conditioning. I've been on the eliptical and playing tennis all winter. But the rides were about a third of normal distance and I was dragging, particularly up the hills

Looks like you had fun. I really wanted to get out this weekend but had to alter priorities and spend time with the family due to the fact I have been traveling a lot for work (biking is fun but has it's place) . Looks like I will have to stick to the boring training rides for now.

I think I know where you were riding and am hoping to get out more this year. Maybe I will see you out and about sometime.

Looks like you had fun. I really wanted to get out this weekend but had to alter priorities and spend time with the family due to the fact I have been traveling a lot for work (biking is fun but has it's place) . Looks like I will have to stick to the boring training rides for now.

I think I know where you were riding and am hoping to get out more this year. Maybe I will see you out and about sometime.

Between 113 and 100. I'd be delighted to meet you for a ride sometime.

Nice Pictures. I went out Saturday and Sunday for the first two rides of the year. Wow, it's frightening how you lose bike conditioning. I've been on the eliptical and playing tennis all winter. But the rides were about a third of normal distance and I was dragging, particularly up the hills

Today's ten miles were rough. Aside from being a longer route, I threw in more climbing. The added weight is telling on me. Also, because I've been riding exercise bikes all winter, the bike's fit feels new to me, like I'm wearing another person's shoes instead of my own. I might need to make adjustments to my saddle height and tilt to work around my added bulk.

OK, I am frustrated! It hit 50 degrees here today (and sunny) and of course no riding for me yet...bleh (but, according to the ODO on the stationary, I did 11.9 miles)

/snicker

If only riding a *real* bike was as easy!

OK, I am frustrated! It hit 50 degrees here today (and sunny) and of course no riding for me yet...bleh (but, according to the ODO on the stationary, I did 11.9 miles)

/snicker

If only riding a *real* bike was as easy!

I was inside today too. I took off to do some work around the house, and then this evening went to the gym. I rode an additional five miles and did some stretching.

BTW, did you look at my legs in the first post? Am I a candidate for a double knee replacement, or what? :-)

Nice pics, looks like a great way to start the year's riding again! I understand the feel of the weight gain. I'm struggling right now....and probably for some time to come!

Also, because I've been riding exercise bikes all winter, the bike's fit feels new to me, like I'm wearing another person's shoes instead of my own. I might need to make adjustments to my saddle height and tilt to work around my added bulk.

Considering the saddle difficulties you had last year, I wouldn't mess with the saddle just yet if you had it somewhat comfortable last year. Good job on getting out for a ride, the weekend was beautiful!

Also, Roark needs a bath and a coat of hardshell wax. How do you expect him to hit on all the WSD bikes looking like that :lol:!

Sir The Historian -

Your threads always serve as a great reminder to me that no matter how much my goals in triathlon dictate my training that enjoying my riding should be a major goal regardless of performance. I hope to soon ride someplace worthy of taking such fine pictures as you did here.

I was inside today too. I took off to do some work around the house, and then this evening went to the gym. I rode an additional five miles and did some stretching.

BTW, did you look at my legs in the first post? Am I a candidate for a double knee replacement, or what? :-)

Well, in black it's hard to tell - toed out is not good of course - hard on the miniscis (SP)...