Figurin' things out

That's what this crazy ride is all about, isn't it? 

Need some time to collect

twenty or so miles aught'a do it

maybe a few hills or three

Soon? 

Please?

Sniffin' & Scoutin'

Mid-week last week the hammer came down. And not the one that crushes all competitors on a grueling climb. No, this was the late winter cold that wipes every ounce of energy from a persons being, making friends and strangers alike give you a wide berth as you pass by. Fortunately, I have turned the corner and now feel like a human again. Soon I hope to be well enough to ride. But maybe not the recently scouted route I mapped out for a Syracuse to Rochester ride in the last post. I was in Rochester over the weekend and decided to see what the route was like. Maybe there was a reason the designers of the Erie Canal chose the route they did - a route that NY 31 follows for the most part. It could be because it circumnavigates the drumlins that my route climbs through when it is not on 31. While the countryside is picturesque, the straight up and straight down path will surely sap my energy reserves too early in the ride for a successful journey all the way to Rochester. Maybe something to work in to doing. Or if my brother comes home for an extended period of time he and I can try it together - I seem to ride stronger on longer rides when he is with me and he is the only other person I know willing to ride that long. Except for when he is stuffin' his face with berries...

I also read that Lance's comeback suffered a setback in the form of a broken collarbone.

The Ides of March = 15 relaxing miles

I skipped out on some home repair (not on my house - I don't own one) to take advantage of the unusually warm and sunny day - and see other homes people might soon be deciding to work on. I spent a majority of the day catchin' up on things that had gone unattended to but made time at the end of the afternoon to get out on the bike. It is always interesting to get out for the first time in a new city - you never know quite what to expect. I tried out the Onondaga Lake Park & Parkway. It was crazy busy - people pushing strollers, walking dogs, roller blading, pulling carts, chasing kids on bikes with training wheels. I don't think I have ever navigated through such mayhem - well, not really mayhem but it was really crowded. I finally made it out to a clear road and continued north for about 5 miles more to the Baldwinsville village line. Great wide shoulders, rolling hills, nice riding conditions. I felt pretty strained for a while as I didn't make it on the rollers as much as I should have over the winter but it was really great just to be out in the warm sun with a crisp wind rushing by. Need to do it more and the forecast is for more of the same conditions for the next few days so we'll see if I can make the time. 

Once back at the car, I noticed another sign of good weather - a line out the door at a CNY icon, Heid's Hotdogs.

I also decided after driving on Route 31 yesterday that my goal for the summer should be to ride to Rochester from Syracuse. Here is an anticipated, yet unscouted, route.

Doldrums

Over the last week or so, the last of the snow cover from January melted off, revealing two months worth of detritus. Between this collection of filth, the grey skies, and the see-sawing of temperatures, I am becoming rather anxious for spring to arrive. Or at least a warm evening/weekend day that will allow me to get out and ride away some of the winter doldrums I feel engrossing me. It will be harder this year as my new city isn't as well equipped with bike paths linking to country roads but I do enjoy the thought of exploring some new places to ride. I am looking forward to trying out some of the super steep climbs on the hills and drumlins south of the city. In the meantime, I am forced to continue my penance on the rollers, who's novelty has worn off. I looked recently in my bike log to see that this time last year I had already about 100 miles in, mostly commuting, but still. Ahh, soon, soon. It'll be a while before the trails are dry enough to ride but I would be happy with a nice long, hilly road ride for now.