2015-01-31: 1,150 Winter Miles

After taking two months off from early August to early October, my speedometer tells me that I have ridden 1,150 miles since climbing back into the saddle. Sixteen weeks of rides primarily on weekends at 68 miles a week have gotten that done. It is the heart of the Oregon winter. I never ride in the rain intentionally. But, if the forecast shows a few dry hours ahead, I've headed out on my bike. I know it's a forecast and actual results may vary.....and they do. During this time of year we have a continuous pattern of moist fronts moving in off the Pacific Ocean. I've been spit on, drizzled on, rained on, and just plain dumped on throughout the past months. The good news is that I have had several completely dry rides in a row. So, I am embracing that trend.

I really like my sweets and have gained an embarrassing 14.5 pounds since the end of last summer. It's time to increase my miles and get the body ready again for what I will be asking it to do. I will not change my eating habits much but will shoot for 100 miles a week then ramp up from there. I have about four and a half months before Jon and I head out to Pueblo to start the second half of this adventure.

The pictures attached were taken the other day on a bike ride out of Troutdale called the Sandy River Roller Coaster, a 33 mile scenic loop that ascends to the canyon rim and then plunges down to the river three times. That is Jon in the center of the first picture. Click on the image to get a bigger view.