Just had our best day of the year for weather. The sun appeared and providing you could get out of the wind-it was almost "T" shirt time. That only happened for about 5 minutes but it did show me that there is a possibility of summer being on its way. It was not only me being happy about the weather- my neighbour came over and asked if I was riding tomorrow. Tomorrow does "promise" to be a better day as the wind will come round from the South hence losing the wind chill factor. It might even come down to around 15 mph aswell so it looks like a ride is on.

Only problem is that this will be the first ride since I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Now on Ramipril and I don't know how this is going to affect me. Along with the fact that I am just in the final throes of a cold that has hit the chest so I reckon it will be a slow ride to check out if the body still works. Will have to wait and see how I feel tomorrow but it may be a nice gentle ride for coffee or it may involve a couple of hills to really find out how much the spinning has helped over the winter.

Sounds good Stap, hope the weather holds up and you get in a great days ride. A report will of course, be mandatory afterwards.

Bill

You've got to get out to take advantage of the good weather. A nice easy ride will not only help your BP but also adjust your winter blahs to the better.

This time of the year is a time for renewal around here. Last week I did three rides for a total of 65 mi. at about 13 mph. Yesterday my gf and I did a 26.5 mi. ride that was hillier than my previous rides again at 13 mph. It's all about getting reacquainted with the bike and, as you say, seeing what works and how it works. I will be 67 in June and I'm actually learning to be patient with myself.

My wife and I got out on the tandem today for the first time in a while. Sunshine, not quite shirt sleeves but I was wearing shorts for a change. Really nice day. Of course, the weather guys are predicting snow and blizzard conditions for tomorrow night ...

Hope the meds work okay for you. Some nice riding weather will probably help with that high blood pressure

Ride report will follow but that Southerly wind turned into an Easterly and it was COLD. 25f as we left and it felt colder. Stayed nice and toasty in my Sealskinz socks and gloves but the ears froze-and the knees- and the torso and anything else that was dressed for a warmer ride. Had a problem with bike fit so I cut the ride short before it got too bad.

Bummer. Better days are coming.

Rode 40 miles on the tandem yesterday at the Flagler Beach, FL Rotary Club's annual Cycle Ride. A bit breezy in places, temp in the 70s and we averaged 17.5 mph, with some help from pace lines. Nice!

My experience with blood pressure on long rides is that the exercise actually makes blood pressure decrease. Had dangerously low blood pressure after a long ride awhile back and Dr. told me since I am monitoring it closely that I should not take it the morning of a long ride. Obviously your circumstances may be different and I would consult your Dr. If you have a blood pressure monitor take it before and after a ride for comparison.