John’s Ramblings

The recent spate of good weather has put a bit of a crimp into my training plans, as I’ve not been real motivated to hit the gym when it’s so nice outside. While this certainly helps me with meeting my goal of Bicycling Through the Winter, you can’t really say my mettle has been tested yet as it ain’t rainin’.

I went on a 7PM night ride last night with the informal group that rides out of Mountain Bike Outfitters in Kent. This was the first (and very successful) test of my new headlight system, the NiteRider Firestorm HID. Monday I charged, mounted, and fussed with my new toy to get it ready. I had a near disaster last night right out of the blocks however, as the light wasn’t completely locked into it’s mounting bracket and it bounced free as I crossed the lane-stripe “turtles”. I was able to reclip the light in short order, and no damage resulted. Phew! The light is quite nice, providing great illumination of the very dark roads and paths in the area. I also affixed my little CatEye LED light to the top of my helmet, which allows me to illuminate my bike computer while riding. Not 100% necessary, but a nice addition that will be handy when leading the Use It or Lose It rides in November & beyond.

Nice weather is promised for the rest of the week, so outside I’ll likely stay. This afternoon I may opt for a little hill work rather than go to spin class. The dark and damp will soon begin to win in the race for winter, so I’m sure I’ll have ample opportunity to spin and lift weights in the coming weeks and months. I keep promising myself that I’ll do ab workouts at home, but somehow the workout just has not happened yet.

After some slight arm-twisting, I agreed to lead a Cascade ride on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at a “steady” pace (12-14 mph). Pressed for a destination, I threw out Black Diamond knowing that this is a popular destination for cyclists. I figure we’ll head up the slow steady hill on Auburn Black Diamond Road so as to not crush anyone, hit the Bakery, then head back through Green Valley. Mosby’s fruit stand is closed for the season, but Green Valley Meats will undoubtedly be open with it’s many varieties of jerky. In a moment of inspiration (or weakness), I therefore dubbed the ride Turkey Jerky. I’ve had good response to the idea so far, so I expect a pretty good turnout, if the weather cooperates. Thanksgiving in this area can be some of the worst weather all year, with rain and windstorms that regularly threaten the cooking of turkeys and such on Thanksgiving. Hopefully El Niño will provide us a kinder, gentler November 25th this year.

3,619 miles ytd.

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