Podagrower

Has officially begun here in Florida. We finally had a real cold front move thru this week, dropping the morning temps into the 50's and daytime highs into the 70's (it is Florida). I've been dissapointed with how little I rode this summer, barely putting in any miles from Mother's day thru 4th of July, but we did a good job of getting out on weekends in July and August, so I have managed to maintain last winter's weight loss. This weekend was awesome for riding, and after riding both days last weekend, and both days this weekend, I'm looking forward to some weeknight riding.

It was a little too cold for me yesterday morning, and Mr Asthma was trying to check in, but I slowed the pace enough to keep him in check. When I was headed back to the parking lot, just coasting along down the long hill, I heard a rider behind me, he eventually got bored and passed and I thought "Don't pass the fat guy going downhill, it's not going to work for you", and engaged drive. He hit the bottom of the hill and started up the other side, with me in pursuit. This is a hill I ordinarily slog up at 10 MPH, but I needed to catch this guy, and it didn't take long. What a feeling, to watch the gap close with each stroke, to pull right behind him, off to the left, and pull right up beside him, then drop back to a bikelength behind him and stay there at 19+MPH. Now, I will admit, it was almost an all out effort, and it wouldn't have lasted more than 10 minutes, but it was near the end of the trail, so it didn't really matter. And there's a skinny guy out there wondering why this fat guy (wearing my C/A jersey no less) was hanging right there so long.

Since there are already 2 others here talking about TDC Orlando, I registered this morning (for 50), in spite of deciding earlier this month I wasn't going to do it. So, now I have a need to find out how far I can ride, our weekend rides are 35 miles, but I've ony got a couple hundred miles on the new (to me) bike. I am happy to report that the Brooks saddle seems to be better on this road bike than it was on the hybrid.

Leebo

Wait, there are "hills" in FL ? That's funny, I thought they called them overpasses. 50F, I might think about a long sleeve shirt.

TrojanHorse

If you're riding 35 on the weekend you can do 50 no problem. IMO.

I hear you about the cold weather - it hit 57 yesterday and RAINED! I stayed in because I just finished cleaning my bike from stem to stern and I was in no mood to do it all over again. I actually like that temperature... a wind vest or a long sleeve base layer and I'm comfortable.

iforgotmename

This is winter riding in my neck of the woods https://vimeo.com/20370579

jsigone

I know this has me looking for a jacket and booties so I can ride in that mess

rdtompki

Two things:
1. You need to get aboard the oath taken by California cyclists to avoid mentioning the weather between October 1 and April 1. It's a kindness to a large part of the weather-challenged country.
2. Hills? In FL?

Chitown_Mike

I am planning on commuting this winter as much as possible. And if it is anything like it was last year it will probably be rather mild. I am learning what layers I will need to use to stay warm, but figure I will dress like I do when I used to go skiing.

Myosmith

There is no such thing as "winter" riding in Florida

jsigone

^^ looks like video game weather to me

MikeRides

It was 35 degrees at the end of tonight's ride, I've got limits, and will be cleaning my bike to store for the winter. I've got a stationary bike and hopefully we'll get a lot of snow that will need to be shoveled to keep me busy throughout the winter. I'm sure I'm going to miss riding along side speeding cars but I'll get over it.

Actually the one thing I'll miss the most is chasing, er riding alongside deer, rabbits and squirrels on the towpath. That made biking enjoyable to me, if it wasn't for all the wildlife I saw this past summer I wouldn't have rode much.