Seems like this is becoming an annual event.  Smoke from wildfires either from our western states or our Canadian neighbors are creating havoc on my biking routine. And, I don't like it.!!!  Nothing to do but decide on whether to go ahead and ride outside or back in my basement on my trainer.  The older I get the smarter I get.....maybe.  I could use a mask or my neckerchief  to catch the nasty smoke, but a ride with those barriers would be very unpleasant. The basement it was! Had a heat wave where the temp was in the mid 90s.  I rode outside when it was 91 and decided that was enough of that.  Now the smoke.  It seems like my outdoor ride opportunities are getting more limited.  I considered a ride to LeRoy was to happen recently as the wind was 15-20 mph from the NW.  Did not happen.  I'm getting to a point where a 50-55 miler is not doable since my training is inadequate.  Riding a century seems like a small probability. Maybe the second half of this summer is better that the start. Stay tuned  

 

 

Another post for my friends in general and biker friends in particular. No rant, angst or other notes of negativity. Good, Better, Best. That's how I rate my bike (bicycle} rides. But during today's 30 miler there were several areas that exceeded all those designations. It actually reached the P.R.C Perfect Riding Conditions. So what would criteria be for that designation? Well here it is.

1. Perfect weather. Moderate temp and humidity with intermittent clouds providing cooling shade.

2. Smooth roads, no traffic, no one trying to run me off the road and/or swearing at me.

3. Wind at my back

4. Going downhill

Other cyclist, and indeed non cyclist, might disagree and inform me that the perfect ride is when you are napping on the couch watching reruns of Rockford files dreaming of such condition.  Still waiting for favorable  conditions for my first century of the season.

 

 Mad dogs and Englishmen.....Yep, I rode from Washington to Magnolia, a trip of 35 miles I have done many times.  The wind was favorable but not as brisk as I anticipated prior to the beginning of the ride.  Hills that I have conquered many times, somehow, seemed steeper and more difficult. Hummm wonder why.  After the particularly steep hill about three miles from the end I was struggling. Finished the journey strong and the lovely Veronica awaited with refreshments and a tide back to town.  I actually needed to rest on the van before preparing to leave.  Ronni then informed me that I had competed the ride in 94 degree temp with a heat index over 100.  While I had ridden in conditions similar to this, the last being my ride across Europe, I had not acclimated to the temperature and my age now must be considered.  It was no wonder why this vessel I call my body reacted the way it did.  That was not particularly smart and I will make sure it doesn't happen again. Again, mad dogs and Englishmen. Still awaiting weather conditions conducive to my first century of the season.  Later!