Mileage

 I'm finally working up to more time on the bike.  This week I was able to squeeze in just under 3 hrs.  I always seem to get home and am just minutes short of my goal.  I don't bother riding around the block,  maybe I should for the psychological edge, but I don't. 

I've been looking at maps again.  I'm mentally ready to go when the warm weather window opens, but I'm thinking the body needs a couple more weeks of base miles before I go long.

 I thought I would try to convert my road bike to a gravel grinder.  I can only fit 700x28's on it though, so the ride was super stiff and rattle me pretty good.  Someone told me I always end up doing things the hard way.  I responded by saying that you never know.  That's why you gotta try.  Some things work for some people, while the same thing won't work for someone else. 

I got home and told Rhonda I was going to have to get a new bike.... she laughed.    Someone needs to explain to her the importance!  

Windstopper

 After training for my  last Snake Creek Gap TT a couple of years ago,  I wrote off riding in temps below 45,  and also stopped training in the winter at all.  Last year I ran all winter and didn't ride until March, and it worked out well for me.

This year Blue Ridge Adventures moved the Pisgah MTB Stage race to April, and I want to finish the P111K.  So,  I had to start training in January.

I went and talked to Kevin  at Liberty Bikes about my clothing selection/options and I wound up purchasing the Gore Tex Oxygen Jacket. 

The next time I got in the bike, the temp in the parking lot was 25 degrees.  I was slightly chilly starting out, but once I warmed up, I was comfortable for the entire 1.5 hr ride.  This piece of clothing will change my winter riding and I'm looking forward to more cold weather rides. 

With a breathable, lightweight, comfortable fit,  I don't feel like I am riding inside my own little rain forest.  With a full front zipper and 2 small vents in front of the arm pits,  I can cool down almost instantly on a climb. 

I think back to all the rides that I would have enjoyed so much more, had I had this piece of clothing.  If you are wavering about riding this time of year, look into the Gore Windstopper line.  You won't be disappointed. 

Training Again

 I'm back at it,  3 bike rides this year.  Starting out with some short 30 minute roller rides and 1-1.5 hr rides outside. 

I rode outside today for the first time since my Thanksgiving trip.   I  have a long ways to go, but I'm going to take it slow and enjoy the ride.

I need a new camera too.  This one is losing focus.  It has been a lot of places with me, but the lens has water or acid rain type spots on it, and close ups don't look as good as they used to.  Minor problems! 

I'm glad to be back on the bike and am looking forward to some big adventures this year.  Of course I can't share some of them before I go, because I always jinx myself and it ends up falling apart. 

I am planning on: Pisgah MTB Stage Race, P111k, Fletcher Flyer and ORAMM.  Other than that, I'm looking forward to some more bikepacking.   After it warms up!