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30 Days of Biking-Day 20

20 Apr

I wasn’t sure I would get a ride in today. We traveled to San Jose, CA where we are spending the night before meeting up with the group to start our next bike tour tomorrow.

Whenever and wherever we travel I like to check out local bike shops. One was within walking distance, Bicycle Express.

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What a great shop! Small, but filled with bikes, many vintage, and bike gear.Also filled with neighborhood customers and a friendly and enthusiastic owner and crew. Bicycle Express is to bikes what television bar Cheers was to beer. Great place!

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As some of you might know I’ve been considering getting (read: longing for) a mix-tee. They had one, a Virtue which is made in San Diego. Having never ridden a mixtee I asked if I could take her for a spin. I only rode a few blocks but I did get a ride in – 20 for 20!

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I liked the bike and when we come back to San Jose before heading home if they locate a small frame size I’m going to ride it and see.

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Check out Virtue bikes, many cool designs we don’t see in the US.

30 Days of Biking–Day 12

12 Apr

Today was a more typical ride, 23.5 miles. We went east for a little hill climbing. I didn’t feel well on the ride and actually stopped for a bit. Out of the blue, I broke out in a cold sweat and became dizzy. My problem was lack of fuel. I took in some gel and half an energy bar and felt good as new in about 10 minutes – although we did end up cutting the ride short.

I rode Rocket my Scott which felt (not surprisingly) livelier and quicker than my Jamis. It’s good to mix it up with the bikes I think, they both have their purposes and I enjoy riding both – although they are a much different riding experience.

Beautiful day, about 60 degrees and just a light north wind. Once we got out on the country roads there was little traffic. Friday afternoon traffic is some of the worst in my opinion. I actually don’t like to ride on Friday afternoon, but that’s how it worked out today. Everyone is in a hurry on Fridays and the last thing they want is for someone to slow them down. No, the worst thing is for a person riding a bike to slow them down.

Does it make you laugh when some bozo gets up behind you and then takes off in their fast car (this one a Porsche) like we’re supposed to be impressed with their speed!? Cracks me up. Hey fella – I’m on a bike, any car is faster than me. Really, get a grip.

My favorite thing about this route is most of it is in the country and typically we see more cows and horses than cars and people.

 

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30 Days of Biking–Day 10

10 Apr

The past 24 hours has been bizarre weather wise. Yesterday’s high was 84 and today it barely made it over 34 (36 to be exact).

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Yesterday’s ride was warm, in shorts and t-shirt. Today’s ride was in sweatshirt, jacket, stocking cap, gloves and I was still cold! I didn’t realize how cold I would feel when I took this shot as I was heading out or I wouldn’t have been smiling.

 

20130410_114810This morning we had freezing rain which coated the trees and everything else in ice. The freezing rain continued until about 2pm, but the sun didn’t come out until it was time for it to set.

Only 2.7 miles riding in the cold, dodging ice falling from trees.

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Just me and the goose out tonight

 

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Beautiful sky and sunset

Once again, regardless of the weather I find every ride joyful. You can’t ask for more than that.

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