BluesDawg

It ranged from 60 to 70 degrees F during today's 60 mile ride on the RB-1.

I rode over to my parents' house for lunch with the family and then proceeded to ride part of the April Fools Ride century route in reverse. I stopped at a store in the small rural community of Haddock and was surprised to see that they carried Powerbars. First one of those vile things I've eaten in a while, but it was needed today.

I knew Bowen Hill coming out of Haddock would be a bear as I remembered how much fun it was to come down it in the route direction. The long shake and bake section on Kitchens Road and Union Hill road had me missing the wider tires and more relaxed geometry of the Salsa, but the rest of the time it was fun to be on the more responsive and quicker handling bike.

I met some friends who were finishing a popular local route as I passed by the parking area on my way into town and some others showed up ready to start riding while I talked to them. I also passed a few unknown riders out on another road coming in the opposite direction.

Glad I was able to take advantage of the great weather today and yesterday. Looks like some cooler weather is coming later this week.

This marker seemed like an appropriate place for a Southern boy to answer nature's call.


Looking back down Bowen Hill.


A nice flat run on County Line Church Road.

Louis

A 60 miler in Feb., super. Another advantage of a more southerly location.

Good to see Ribby again. How's that new VO saddle working out?

RonH

Yes, spring is right around the corner -- I hope.
Went out yesterday (60F/16C) with base layer undershirt, arm warmers and lightweight vest. Today (65F/18C) I only needed arm warmers (for the first half of the ride) and a base layer undershirt. Lots of riders out there.

BluesDawg

The VO Model 6 saddle is still comfortable beyond what I would expect given its small size and the hardness of the leather. I did start to feel a little pressure on the sit bones during a long rough section of pavement at about 45 miles, but it never turned into pain, just a little discomfort. I'm thinking that will get better as I ride and sweat on it more and the leather softens. It is not "forget it's there comfy like a B17, but it isn't bad. I like the way the shape allows me to tuck in lower on the bike, which in turn keeps less weight on the saddle.

Louis

Thanks for the report.
If I should decide on another leather saddle, that one is high on my list.

Red Rider

Here's how we recognize spring.


The lilac vine (Hardenbergia comptaniana flowers:


The peach tree begins to bud:
]

Everything is green, insanely rich green:


Posers come out of the woodwork:

sdean911

20 miles yesterday here in Northern Ohio. Sunny and warm. A blistering 43 degrees, but given the weather we have had here it felt like Miami. I love to x-country ski too but I am really looking forward to Spring. Unfortunately the next cold front is on its way and snow is in the forcast for the next week. Still felt great to get off the trainer and get some sunshine.

Greg

George

You sure have some pretty country around the BluesDawg.

NOS88

BD, you're killing me. We've still got so much snow that the roads aren't completely cleared yet. Most roads, that aren't major highways, still have plowed snow blocking partial lanes in both directions. As you might guess, this makes riding a bit more dangerous than usual. Heck I've still got piles of snow taller than me in front of the house from clearing the driveway, and the snow in that backyard is sill above the dog's belly. Could you all just shoot a bit of that warmer weather up this way? But, I agree with Louis, it sure looks good to see Ribby out and about. I've always been a sucker for blue bikes, level top tubes, and paint jobs with panels for the company name/logo. (One of the reasons TSL's new Peleton looks so sweet to me.)

That shot of Country Line Church Road has me wondering if there are cross winds coming across the fields right past the fences and beyond that little dip in the road.

BluesDawg

The wind is subject to do most anything on that stretch of road. But when I rode it yesterday there was a mild tailwind.

Cone Wrench

Well, aren't you looking fabulous!?

rumrunn6

in and around Boston, we know the temps are warming up when we see bare mid-drifts on the coeds

Beverly

We have green here, too......it's just covered with a foot or two of snow

Beverly

You could share those great temperatures, BD

I'm glad to see someone is able to get out and do some great rides...

BluesDawg

+1
Looking mighty fine.

Wogster

I feel your pain, were getting 10cm tonight (about 4") and it's supposed to snow all week. Was going to jump on the trainer tonight, think I'll shovel the driveway instead

Tom Bombadil

70? That's summer in these parts.

I'm in the mood for green, but that is still weeks away for us. Spring doesn't usually happen around here until late April. There are years where the trees in my yard don't get their leaves until mid-May.

SlimAgainSoon

By late April, we're edging into summer! (I'm a little bit south of BluesDawg).

BluesDawg

We are getting sneak peaks of warmth, but the color shift to green hasn't happened yet. But it may not be long. I have noticed a few buds on some of the trees and bushes and my sinuses are telling me there is pollen in the air.

rumrunn6

new england apple blossoms / buds usually show up soon