october cycling recap

This guy stopped his truck on the path to do something on his phone. He was oblivious that I was waiting for him to move.

This guy stopped his truck on the path to do something on his phone. He was oblivious that I was waiting for him to move.

I really like riding my road bike despite the hand pain. I had thought I would ride my 820 in wet weather. But I just didn't want to go slower. 

I am not skilled enough to hop over this hose.

I am not skilled enough to hop over this hose.

I am still trying to find the ride spot for my saddle to lessen the hand pain. I wish I had the money for a professional fit. Though it would have to be redone as I lose weight. 

I got a mirror for my bike. It's OK.

I got a mirror for my bike. It's OK.

I did my first organized ride on Sunday, October 5. I was supposed to meet Ron from BikeFourms there. I got impatient and cold and he was late. I rode alone. I rode just over 14 miles and went back. Organized rides do not excite me like they used to do. Riding alone is OK, no one is expecting more than a few words. I feel awkward standing alone at rest stops. I usually don't stay long. And when the ride is over, I just go home. I can do all this with the added driving if I ride around my neighborhood.

I moved my saddle forward a bit. I found I felt a bit better. I also tipped it up to level it out. I am still looking for the best riding position to stop the hand and shoulder pains.

Withlacoochee Trail

Withlacoochee Trail

I only rode 60 miles during week 2. I took off Monday as a rest day after the Withlacoochee Rails to Trails ride. I missed my Saturday ride to go on the World Wide Photo Walk with Bridget. I wish my dad understood that cycling is so much better than church. I wish I didn't feel like an 8 year old.

The cows are usually not so close to the fence. I stopped to take some photos. They moo'd at me.

The cows are usually not so close to the fence. I stopped to take some photos. They moo'd at me.

I rode 100 miles during the third week. I rode two loops each week day and 25 miles on Saturday. The weather was good. 

I rode 106 miles during the fourth week. The weather got cooler and I got. My SheBeest tights. They were longer than I expected, I was expecting knickers and these are capris. They keep my knees warm and the chamois is wonderful. I was still having some issues but riding with the SheBeest tights made it go away. I realize now that the Terry chamois is too narrow and the seams were chafing. I wish I could afford to but some new shorts or a skort from SheBeest. That will have to wait and maybe the weather will stay cool so I can keep wearing the tights. I rode 30 miles on Saturday at Flatwoods. I felt pretty good afterwards. I realized I need to start increasing my mileage if I plan on my age on my birthday. I have about 2 1/2 months to be able to ride 50 miles.

I saw some deer one Saturday morning.

I saw some deer one Saturday morning.

The last week ended on Friday so I didn't have my long Saturday ride included. I missed Thursday because I went on Andy's field trip. The tights continue to feel good. I have noticed less knee pain. Is it because of the compression of the tights?

I finished the month with 675km which is 419miles. I was hoping for 360 miles so I am pretty happy with this. 

Construction is mostly done but the path is still not suitable for riding.

Construction is mostly done but the path is still not suitable for riding.

I lost 7.2 pounds.