Your end of season report.....
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Bikes: Canyon Aeroad, CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX, Guru steel & Guru Photon
Your end of season report.....
Well...end of season if you're in New England for sure. Mine goes something like this: Thanks to weird weather and other demands, I rode about 1/2 the miles I would ordinarily ride. Part of that was intentional in that I am, by nature, not a long distance athlete. I spent a lot more time riding HIIT solo rides than I have in the past. I found that I am faster and am climbing better than I have in previous years. I had a goal of doing my 6.5 mi. TT at 18 mph. My previous best was 17.4 mph. Not only did I reach 18 mph, I actually hit 19.2 mph! Having just reached age 72 I was stoked. But, the best part has been that I actually enjoyed riding a lot more this year. I'm feeling supple and smoother on the bike. That's my story.
But, I created this post to ask, "What's your story?" Just wondering how everyone has viewed their season thus far.
But, I created this post to ask, "What's your story?" Just wondering how everyone has viewed their season thus far.
#2
I have an unending cycling season.
A little short on miles this summer, but still rolling quite a bit. About time to start thinking of getting bikes tuned for the winter.
I have a 11 mile out and back loop for challenges, but I haven't done it hard for over a year. I barely hit 20 MPH on it about 2 years ago. I might try to get back to it in Sept or Oct.
I did hit 20 MPH on a 16 mile one-way commute this year (well, dropped slightly in the last mile, but hit 20 at about Mile 15), but a lot of things aligned for it to be a perfect ride that day.
A little short on miles this summer, but still rolling quite a bit. About time to start thinking of getting bikes tuned for the winter.
I have a 11 mile out and back loop for challenges, but I haven't done it hard for over a year. I barely hit 20 MPH on it about 2 years ago. I might try to get back to it in Sept or Oct.
I did hit 20 MPH on a 16 mile one-way commute this year (well, dropped slightly in the last mile, but hit 20 at about Mile 15), but a lot of things aligned for it to be a perfect ride that day.
#3
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I put on most of my miles commuting, and I commute by bike nearly every day, 13 miles round trip. I'm on target for hitting 3,000 miles in the calendar year. I ride less in the winter, but I don't stop.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#4
Super Modest



Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 25,418
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From: Central Illinois
Bikes: Trek Domane+x2, Trek Emonda
#5
Non omnino gravis
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 8,552
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From: SoCal, USA!
Bikes: Nekobasu, Pandicorn, Lakitu
Here in the Land Without Seasons, I barely even need to change clothes-- I think last winter I had to wear my tights about 10 times.
December is traditionally one of my biggest mileage months of the year. I've had my bought-on-sale Le Col armwarmers for over 6 months now, still looking forward to actually getting to try them out. Maybe in November.
December is traditionally one of my biggest mileage months of the year. I've had my bought-on-sale Le Col armwarmers for over 6 months now, still looking forward to actually getting to try them out. Maybe in November.
#6
Senior Member

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Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
I have the extremely unpleasantly hot season, and the unpleasantly cool and wet season, with occasionally the miserably cold season .... but they interchange at will it seems.
#7
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Heh. We have four seasons here, and we have a whole lot of bad weather days. We are entering our best weather season, but it's only a month or two long, and the daylight hours are short. Where are you?
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 742
Likes: 4
From: Creede CO in summer & Okeechobee, FL or TX Gulf Coast in winter
Bikes: Zenetto Stealth road bike & Sundeal M7 MTN bike
Summer in the mountains almost over - headed south before 10/1 - so sad. Only one personal goal unsatisfied so far and not much chance I will make it from the Rio Grande to Love Lake without stopping. Next stop - TX Gulf Coast for the winter. Flat land will be boring.
#9
If there's a season, it's only just begun.
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#10
Senior Member



Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Orange County, California
Bikes: Yes
We only have one season here in Southern California ("riding season"), so riding is do-able all year long. That said, I've only been getting out about 3 days per week (average) and really need to increase both days/per and weekly mileage in the future.
#11
Senior Member



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From: Minneapolis
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
I ride 12 months/year in Minnesota, so I'm not sure how one defines the end of the season. For sure, there's less light now than in August and that's causing changes - my weekday after-work club rides are gone and so I ride solo - usually after dark with good lights. Overall, this means that the miles/week are going down, but except for extreme weather (personal definition= below 10°F or unusually icy or stormy), it's always a good day to ride outside.
#13
Palmer

Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Parts Unknown
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
The heat as finally broken and I can comfortably ride during the day instead of only at morning dawn. The 2018-2019 riding season has just begun!
#14
Full Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 248
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Trek Fx3 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 3 L
Well, I started riding 2 years ago in August 2016. By the time the snow started here, I had ridden 600+ miles and upgraded to a new bike. So, last year I figured 1000 miles should be easily accomplished since I started in the Spring, eh? With life happening, I didn’t even reach 600 miles and I was bummed! This year, I figured I wouldn’t set a goal. That way, I’d be sure to reach my no-goal. I can proudly report that my goal for this year has been accomplished, but I am on track to go 1000-1100 miles before the snow flies this year. This is probably a small total for most, but a nice total considering my history.
#15
Full Member

Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Lisle, IL
Bikes: 2003 Litespeed Vortex, 2017 All-City Mr. Pink, ~1997 Trek Multitrack 700
End of season? Even though I live in northern Illinois, I've ridden every month this year so far and have no intentions on stopping. I'll just add more layers and at some point put the studded tires back onto the heavy bike. Bar mitts, winter cycling boots, and studded tires were a game changer for me last winter. The rest of the gear I already owned thanks to hiking and snow shoeing.
#16
Full Member

Joined: May 2018
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From: Vermont
Bikes: Kona Libre
End of the season? Say it ain’t so! This is the first year that riding has been my main form of recreation. Sad to say I haven’t gone on a single hike this summer, and only took the kayak out once, but I am on track to log 2,000 miles of mainly gravel riding. I’ve never ridden much in colder weather and on winter roads so I’m reading with interest the comments about gearing up for it with studded tires, warmer clothing, etc.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 56
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From: Stamford, CT
Southwestern Connecticut weather certainly put a crunch on riding time. While there is still some time remaining my weekend rides were limited right from the start of a wet spring which continued through the summer.
#18
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
This reminded me of the song "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds (Itself based on Ecclesiates 3:1-8). It seems to be somewhat relevant to seasonal bicycling:
"To everything
Turn turn, turn
There is a season
Turn, turn, turn,
And a time to every purpose under Heaven"
(And especially the beginning to verse Two)
"A time to break down
A time to build up"
"To everything
Turn turn, turn
There is a season
Turn, turn, turn,
And a time to every purpose under Heaven"
(And especially the beginning to verse Two)
"A time to break down
A time to build up"
#19
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,637
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
[MENTION=151366]BobbyG[/MENTION], it comes from Ecclesiastes.
https://www.chabad.org/library/bible.../Chapter-3.htm
https://www.chabad.org/library/bible.../Chapter-3.htm
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 13
From: Center of Central CA
I'm with Dr.Isotpe here, we don't have seasons in California. Beginning in January this of year, I think I have ridden once or twice with my legs covered, and I ride almost every day. Winters are some of the best times of the entire year to ride in the Sierras. It's sunny and warm most days, unless it's snowed recently.
#21
Senior Member




Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,427
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From: Seattle area
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Dry season done.
Fender season in full swing.

Think I may look for something suitable in a rain cape.
Fender season in full swing.

Think I may look for something suitable in a rain cape.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#22
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,667
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
[MENTION=151366]BobbyG[/MENTION], it comes from Ecclesiastes.
https://www.chabad.org/library/bible.../Chapter-3.htm
https://www.chabad.org/library/bible.../Chapter-3.htm
The phrase "under heaven" in hebrew is "תַּ֥חַת הַשָּׁמָֽיִם"/"tachat ha-shamayim". The word ta-chat means"under" or "bottom", and in the european (ashkenaz) dialect it is pronounced ta-chas, which then becomes the Yiddish word tuchus (or toochis/tookis) which means butt or derriere.
And that is a big "under"-lying issue for many cyclists.
#23
Not quite dead.

Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,386
Likes: 473
From: Carolina
Bikes: ICE Sprint X Tour FS 26 trike
The humidity and heat are finally on the cusp of fading. My gf and I rode 45 miles yesterday, a welcome boost from our summer training loop of 35 miles. The reduction from 90+ to mid 80s is a definite help. There was a time when I worked all day in the hayfield in mid 90 temperatures, but that was a younger me. I'm glad the autumn has finally broken through. Looking forward to the winter rides, too, though it's distance and endurance we are after, not speed.
#24
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,667
Likes: 2,411
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
I found that I am faster and am climbing better than I have in previous years. I had a goal of doing my 6.5 mi. TT at 18 mph. My previous best was 17.4 mph. Not only did I reach 18 mph, I actually hit 19.2 mph! Having just reached age 72 I was stoked. But, the best part has been that I actually enjoyed riding a lot more this year. I'm feeling supple and smoother on the bike. That's my story.
#25
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 563
Likes: 151
From: Connecticut
Bikes: Trek Domane, Surly Disc Trucker
I'm still hoping to do my 'normal' riding distances through November but, thus far, it's been a good riding season for me. Haven't done the longer rides I anticipated doing (75 miles to a century) as I typically do them on group/charity rides and I just didn't do many of those this year. Kind of lost interest in having to get somewhere at an official start time and I'm now familiar with most of the roads in the charity rides within a reasonable distance of my home so there wasn't that motivation. Having said that, I've really been enjoying my solo rides ... always like to discover new roads - this year, found some new gravel roads in Western Connecticut and Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont along with a new route in Eastern Connecticut. Made it back up to Acadia National Park and rode the Park Loop and up Cadillac Mountain for spectacular views. I do ride through the winter unless the weather is unusually harsh, albeit shorter distances. I'm hoping my mileage this year will land close to my past couple of years - close to 4,500 miles although I may fall a bit short as my gravel riding distances tend to be a bit shorter than the road rides of years past. But, it's all good!






