11.25.09

Pleasant day for a ride--47 degrees, a little rainy and cloudy, windy.

We rode a new route today, one that ended with a killer hill. It's a steep uphill with (for me) two turns at two intersections. I have attempted to make it to the top around 10 times. I have gone up but not attempted (read: walked) about 10 times. I've made it all the way to the top and continued on my last two miles twice. Today I made it to the second turn and there was a car behind us going straight, so I stopped because I was too tired to be clear on what I was doing with the turn. But making it that far is an accomplishment--that far is the brunt of the hard part--and we are some tough biker chicks!

20 miles

Song in my head: Hineh Ma Tove by Seventh Gear

11.24.09

Beautiful leaves still hanging on

Nice ride today--about 17 miles. 46 degrees again, but not so windy and much more pleasant. I never really warmed up after yesterday's ride.

Today I felt fine during the ride but am tired now.

Song in my head: Share It With Me by Family Force Five

11.23.09

No picture again--sorry. I really like the scenery as we ride, I just don't stop to capture it often.

It was cold and rainy today. Around 45 degrees, but so damp it felt colder. It was also windy, and we were both tired. We tried a new route and got a little lost again. 22.5 miles total.

Great chat. I love my friend.

Song in my head: "I Would Walk 500 Miles"

11.20.09

Rode 20 miles. Plus, a walk, to complete the conversation. It was about 40 degrees, and gray, but very pleasant!

Song in my head: Voices by House of Heroes

11.17.09

Beautiful morning for a ride, but WINDY! We walked up a hill because the wind was so strong. And we were tired.

20 miles today. 40 degrees at start, 49 at finish.

I didn't check how long it took--I'm thinking a little longer than normal.

Song in my head: Little Drummer Boy by Family Force 5

11.13.09

20 miles today with Joe the Beast who zigzagged up hills while I strained to keep from wavering in the least. I think I still haven't quite recovered from Wednesday's windy ride.

1.5 hours

40 degrees at start, 50 at finish

No song in my head; strangely, a cheer from 6th grade: "6th grade, 6th grade, don't be shy! Stand and give your battle cry. V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! That's the 6th grade battle cry!"

11.12.09

Still have a pot of flowers blooming!

Cold today--32 start 38 finish. Back to 8am start time.

Short ride--10 miles. It's nice that it's quick, but it's hilly on narrow roads with high speed limits, so it's the worst ride for chatting.

Tired today--the whole ride. Plus cold.

As I ascended a hill, the sun was shining in my eyes, and, an unbidden 35 year old memory came forth. Song in my head: "Climb, Climb Up Sunshine Mountain." There, now you have it in your head, too. (Comment if you know this song. You can chew me out for reminding you. I just want to be sure I didn't make this up.) It was on the little kid records at my grandma's house, I think.

11.11.09

Today we had a very windy ride, as we had earlier this week. This time the wind was coming from the opposite direction and I was ready to walk up a hill just 3 miles into the ride! I guess I usually count on help getting up that hill.

The ride home was much easier than usual, however. :)

We did 17 miles--temp was around 50 (we went at 1 pm instead of 8 am). It took a little over 1.5 hours, but we stopped to unhook clothes that were getting caught, answer texts, blow noses and take pictures.

The last mile and a half of my ride usually goes through a cemetery. This cemetery flies flags on certain holidays. They are very impressive.

Thanks to all veterans and servicepeople.

11.9.09

Warning: calf in picture is smaller than it appears :)

Good ride again today--60 degrees at start, 63 at finish. Soooo lovely, nice to feel the wind on skin for a change.

We went later, at noon, although I wouldn't have needed last weeks triple layers even at 8 AM.

20 miles in the usual 1.5 hours.

Song in my head: "We will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever" (can't remember the title, but this phrase is repeated a lot).

11.6.09

Frosty morning! started out at 30 degrees--up to 44 at end.

We got lost today...on beautiful winding country roads.

We ended up going 24.25 miles in just a little over 2 hours. I was tired, but it was a good ride.

1 pinky finger was cold.... and my toes were at the end. Otherwise I was fine--sweating just a few miles in.

Song in my head: Joyful Noise by Lecrae

So thankful to be able to ride and talk today. My friend is often like a mirror for me, helping me see things about myself I might not notice.

11.05.09

Biked today--no picture, short ride, beautiful day.

10.5 miles in about 45 min. 40 degrees.

11.2.09

One of the more unusual things on the road this morning

Finally biked again--with Joe today! It was almost like a date! He's a beast--he did what Taylor does on the hills--glides up them effortlessly as if pushed by some unseen divine horsepower (not that I'm bitter or anything).

Anyway, we did 20 miles in 1 hr. 40 min. (stopped to make a phone call and pick up a few texts--he's on call).

The ride was beautiful although a little cold--38 to start, 48 at finish.

Song in my head: "Spring Up, O Well"--the double bass pedal screamo rocker version Taylor's band was playing yesterday.