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-   -   The Best Ride of the Year - The Road Bike and I Outside of Our Natural Habitats (https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/257557-best-ride-year-road-bike-i-outside-our-natural-habitats.html)

Snuffleupagus 01-02-07 07:33 PM

The Best Ride of the Year - The Road Bike and I Outside of Our Natural Habitats
 
Today was the last day of a four day weekend, during which I've enjoyed getting in some good rides. I rode about 60 yesterday right after a 24 hour (bleh) shift at work. Today was a little colder than yesterday where I was able to wear short sleeves. I had to get on the full cold weather kit to ride comfrotably in the 40 degree weather. The ride began as most of my other rides this season have, nothing special. I got on the road just after 9 AM in 40 degree weather. This was just a base 1/2 ride, for me to focus on cadence and form more than anything else. The roads were nearly empty, and it was blissfully quiet. It had rained the last two days, but nevertheless I decided to put in some dirt/sand/gravel road miles to break up the norm, and take myself and the bike out of our natural habitats. After putting in several hours I was moved by the beauty of the day, and the uniqueness of the ride to snap a few pics with my cell camera. The results are below.

The bike and I.
http://i13.tinypic.com/486bbt5.jpg

Given the signs around some of the roads here on Fort Bragg, you don't want to deviate too far from the beaten track...
http://i16.tinypic.com/437qesx.jpg
http://i11.tinypic.com/2edut08.jpg

At about 50 miles out I stopped by a creek to snap a couple pictures, and lo and behold a butterfly decided to take a break on my top-tube. Despite the poor quality, I really like this shot.
http://i13.tinypic.com/2nbf6kw.jpg

These last two pictures give you an idea of what about 10 of the 60ish miles I did today looked like.
http://i11.tinypic.com/2a8i06c.jpg
http://i16.tinypic.com/34qlgyq.jpg

All told, it's easily been the nicest ride I've done this year :) For that matter, it's been the nicest ride I've done in quite some time. I've been very focused on training for a long time, and rarely take the time to sit back and 'smell the roses' like I did today. Blue skies, empty roads and crisp air were just the thing I needed to clear my cluttered head.

Here's to a great ride, and many more.

Happy 2007 :)

G5Ti 01-02-07 07:49 PM

Looks like a nice ride... and nice empty roads!

I had to take my car in for an oil & filter change today, so I thought what better to do while I wait than ride around the greater Columbus (OH) area? I ended up with a modest pace, covering about 55 miles in 3.5 hours. The scenery wasn't quite as nice your ride, but it felt absolutely great to be out there today. I love sunshine... cold is fine when it's sunny out!

Bockman 01-03-07 06:56 AM

http://i11.tinypic.com/2edut08.jpg

Reminds me of when I cycled through Camp Lejeune. There were huge signs on either side of the road which read, "Attention: Live artillery passing overhead. DO NOT leave the roadway for any reason. Beware of tanks crossing." Yikes!

jimbud 01-03-07 08:23 AM

I'm jealous, Looks like a great couple of days.

Brandy 01-03-07 10:10 AM

Looks like a great ride! Oh...and I love the butterfly picture. :)

Clutch49 01-03-07 11:35 AM

Sounds like a great day.

I love those days when your able to break away from the high intensity (focus on nothing else but riding) rides to just sit back and enjoy the things around you that you normally fly by without noticing.


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