The EBC Wednesday Show & Go ride attracted 9 riders this morning who took advantage of the last day of the snow drought to get in a good ride. We rode through the Botanic Gardens and took the Skokie Valley Bikeway on our way to Bluffingtons. The question of "Do you count trainer miles?" when setting and calculating mileage goals generated a wide variety of responses on both sides of the question.
Personally, my opinion is that only rolling miles should count.
Feel free to join the conversation by posting a comment.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Ride Recap - 1/8/12 Panera to Panara
We had another nice sunny day for cycling. Felix, Martin, George and I rode to Panera Bread via the Skokie Valley Bikeway. Considering that it was a mid winter ride, it had a bit more of a training aspect to it than usual for a January ride. George is preparing for his annual June ride in the National 24 Hour Challenge and Martin is training for the sprint racing season at the Northbrook velodrome. It seems incredible that they can both be so matter of fact about: 1) riding 360 miles in just 24 hours (heck I often have months in which I do not get in 360 miles), or 2) getting a track bike up to 39 mph.
Rob was on a solo ride and met up with us at Panera Bread in Lake Bluff. The five of us had a pleasant mid ride break.
As mentioned in a previous post, given how many members of our group are training at Vision Quest on Saturday's, our group rides will be primarily on Sunday's for the next 7 weeks. Next Sunday is predicted to be another snow free day. Come out and join the ride.
Rob was on a solo ride and met up with us at Panera Bread in Lake Bluff. The five of us had a pleasant mid ride break.
As mentioned in a previous post, given how many members of our group are training at Vision Quest on Saturday's, our group rides will be primarily on Sunday's for the next 7 weeks. Next Sunday is predicted to be another snow free day. Come out and join the ride.
Friday, January 6, 2012
How Global Climate Change May Impact The Cycling Season
The snow drought this winter has been a real boon to cyclists. Almost 90% of the days this winter have been suitable for cycling (at least for some of the heartier members of the EBC). Given the natural variability of the weather, it is challenging to judge whether global climate change is responsible for this year's snow drought. However, according to a research paper on The New Climate Dice, the probability of unseasonably warm winters is up by about 66% compared to only about a 16% probability for unseasonably cool winters. The same goes for summer, with an increased probability of warm summers and a decreased probability of cool summers. The weather will still be variable, just with more seasons skewed to being unusually warm. As examples, the summers of 2004 and 2009 were unusually cool across the U.S.
Global warming causes the atmosphere to hold more water vapor, thus allowing for more extreme precipitation events when these occur. A factor affecting the perception of winter warming is the fact that global warming increases snowfall amounts, and there is a tendency to equate heavy snowfall with harsh winters, even if temperatures are not extremely low.
Given the increased likelihood of extremely hot days during summer, over time it may be appropriate to move some of the EBC's longer rides out of the summer and into the fall and spring. The midday temperatures during summer seem increasingly likely to be sweltering and unhealthy. On the plus side, the spring and fall seasons are likely to be extended.
While global climate change may increase the number of days with nice cycling weather during spring, fall, and winter, it obviously has a horrendous downside for humanity. The above post may make it seem like I have blinders on that limit my view of global climate change to the impact on EBC rides, however, I also touch on the impact of the extreme weather caused by global climate change on a financial blog I author at Will Extreme Weather Events Have A Measurable Impact On The Economy in 2012?
Global warming causes the atmosphere to hold more water vapor, thus allowing for more extreme precipitation events when these occur. A factor affecting the perception of winter warming is the fact that global warming increases snowfall amounts, and there is a tendency to equate heavy snowfall with harsh winters, even if temperatures are not extremely low.
Given the increased likelihood of extremely hot days during summer, over time it may be appropriate to move some of the EBC's longer rides out of the summer and into the fall and spring. The midday temperatures during summer seem increasingly likely to be sweltering and unhealthy. On the plus side, the spring and fall seasons are likely to be extended.
While global climate change may increase the number of days with nice cycling weather during spring, fall, and winter, it obviously has a horrendous downside for humanity. The above post may make it seem like I have blinders on that limit my view of global climate change to the impact on EBC rides, however, I also touch on the impact of the extreme weather caused by global climate change on a financial blog I author at Will Extreme Weather Events Have A Measurable Impact On The Economy in 2012?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Saturday Rides During January and February?
There is a question about whether we should plan on Saturday rides during the next 8 weeks. A number of the members of our group will be training at Vision Quest on Saturdays, and participation on Saturday rides may be a bit thin. Of course, the weather may also play a role in whether there are group rides during January and February.
The EBC will continue to their Show and Go rides on Saturday's, so there will still be a fast group going out, however, without the members of our group participating it probably won't be at a 20 mph pace.
Please indicate in the comments section opinions on whether we should continue to schedule Saturday rides for the 20+ MPH Group.
Of note, we will definitely be riding on Sunday's.
The weather this weekend is predicted to be pretty good. Hope to see you at Panera at 8:00 am.
The EBC will continue to their Show and Go rides on Saturday's, so there will still be a fast group going out, however, without the members of our group participating it probably won't be at a 20 mph pace.
Please indicate in the comments section opinions on whether we should continue to schedule Saturday rides for the 20+ MPH Group.
Of note, we will definitely be riding on Sunday's.
The weather this weekend is predicted to be pretty good. Hope to see you at Panera at 8:00 am.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Did The Snow Drought Facilitate A New EBC Record in 2011 For Most Annual Club Miles?
We seem to be paying for the nice cycling weather during December with a brutal start to 2012. All Evanston Bike Club rides for the first three days of 2012 have been cancelled.
Given that I am not out on a ride as planned this morning, I had the time to take a look at the Club Miles page on the EBC website. According to this summary tabulated by Joanne Blake, the combined mileage on club rides via sheets turned in as of 12/18/11 is 161,421. This leaves the annual total just 3,793 miles short of the club record of 165,214 set in 2010. However, in speaking with Felix, he is reasonably certain that once all the sign-up sheets for 2011 have been submitted, the final total will set a new record for most club miles in a year. The moderate December weather allowed for lots of casual, moderate, and fast rides during the holiday season. The EBC has lots of hearty folks that were glad to have an opportunity to extend the season (my role model is Joanne Davis who taught me the Scandinavian theory that "there's no bad weather just bad clothing")
The snow drought allowed for a huge increase in December miles this year. Felix was able to get in 20 rides for a total of over 800 miles. By himself, he almost accounted for as many December miles as the entire club racked up in 2010.
EBC December Miles By Year
2011 ?
2010 1,000
2009 2,417
2008 1,678
2007 2,270
The EBC Club Miles page features lots of historical data via the tabs at the bottom of the page. If interested in viewing, cursor down to the bottom of the page and click on the tabs.
Given that I am not out on a ride as planned this morning, I had the time to take a look at the Club Miles page on the EBC website. According to this summary tabulated by Joanne Blake, the combined mileage on club rides via sheets turned in as of 12/18/11 is 161,421. This leaves the annual total just 3,793 miles short of the club record of 165,214 set in 2010. However, in speaking with Felix, he is reasonably certain that once all the sign-up sheets for 2011 have been submitted, the final total will set a new record for most club miles in a year. The moderate December weather allowed for lots of casual, moderate, and fast rides during the holiday season. The EBC has lots of hearty folks that were glad to have an opportunity to extend the season (my role model is Joanne Davis who taught me the Scandinavian theory that "there's no bad weather just bad clothing")
The snow drought allowed for a huge increase in December miles this year. Felix was able to get in 20 rides for a total of over 800 miles. By himself, he almost accounted for as many December miles as the entire club racked up in 2010.
EBC December Miles By Year
2011 ?
2010 1,000
2009 2,417
2008 1,678
2007 2,270
The EBC Club Miles page features lots of historical data via the tabs at the bottom of the page. If interested in viewing, cursor down to the bottom of the page and click on the tabs.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year's Eve Day Ride Recap - Too Cold For Cons?
We had a sunny day for the last ride of 2011. The temperature was around 30 degrees when we began the ride at 8:00 am and warmed up during the course of morning and turned into a really nice day. Our group consisted of Dale, Felix, Paul, Elliot and his friend Andrew, and me. The snow drought allowed Felix to get in his 16th ride during December and hit his goal of 7,200 outdoor miles.
We assumed it was too cold for Cons, who only made one appearance this year on a day when the temperature dropped below 30 degrees. Of course some might think that is a sign of sanity, but anyone who made as many rides as Cons did to work in the city leaving well before sunrise must have at least one screw loose.
We went up to Bluffington's via the Skokie Valley Bikeway. With Martin in Taiwan, I had thought that today's ride might be at a moderate pace. However, having Elliot join the ride fully compensated for not having Martin along. Our trip north was at an energetic pace with a very quick sprint as we approached 176.
The adventure of the ride came right before the tunnel heading north on the Bikeway. There was a nasty patch of black ice in the midst of the left hand turn. Elliot, Felix, and I all skidded on it and just barely stayed up. Beware of this spot.
It turned out to be a good ride to finish off 2011. Here's hoping for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012 to all and lots of great bike rides.
We assumed it was too cold for Cons, who only made one appearance this year on a day when the temperature dropped below 30 degrees. Of course some might think that is a sign of sanity, but anyone who made as many rides as Cons did to work in the city leaving well before sunrise must have at least one screw loose.
We went up to Bluffington's via the Skokie Valley Bikeway. With Martin in Taiwan, I had thought that today's ride might be at a moderate pace. However, having Elliot join the ride fully compensated for not having Martin along. Our trip north was at an energetic pace with a very quick sprint as we approached 176.
The adventure of the ride came right before the tunnel heading north on the Bikeway. There was a nasty patch of black ice in the midst of the left hand turn. Elliot, Felix, and I all skidded on it and just barely stayed up. Beware of this spot.
It turned out to be a good ride to finish off 2011. Here's hoping for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012 to all and lots of great bike rides.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Rides For The New Year Weekend
Felix will lead rides on Friday, Saturday, and Monday.
1/2/12 Update - Monday ride cancelled. Slippery roads and 5 degree wind chill.
We'll join Cliff Hoffman's ride on Sunday - 10:00 am
1/1/12 Update - New Year's Day Ride Cancelled. Nasty day even for the Polar Bears.
On Friday we will meet at 9:00 AM at Panera Bread in Wilmette and head to Lake Bluff.
On Saturday we will meet at Panera Bread in Wilmette at 8:00 AM and go to Lake Bluff one more time.
On Monday we will meet at 9:00 AM at Panera Bread in Wilmette
The Friday, Saturday, and Monday rides will be at our standard pace
The New Year's Day ride will be at a 14 mph pace on the trip down to Chicago and at our standard pace on the way home. Details below. This ride was a lot of fun last year. Highly recommended.
On New Years Day we will meet at Panera’s in Wilmette at 10:00 am and being a holiday you will be able to park along the tracks free of charge. We’ll try and work our way to the Lakeshore path and down to North Ave. beach where we will witness the Polar Bears taking their plunge into Lake Michigan. We will then proceed to Tiparos Thai Restaurant for lunch and talk about how much saner we are because we just ride our bikes in winter. If you are going to participate in the Polar Bear plunge please remember to bring your own suit and towel as the City of Chicago prohibits nude bathing in public and the club does not furnish towels for this ride
1/2/12 Update - Monday ride cancelled. Slippery roads and 5 degree wind chill.
We'll join Cliff Hoffman's ride on Sunday - 10:00 am
1/1/12 Update - New Year's Day Ride Cancelled. Nasty day even for the Polar Bears.
On Friday we will meet at 9:00 AM at Panera Bread in Wilmette and head to Lake Bluff.
On Saturday we will meet at Panera Bread in Wilmette at 8:00 AM and go to Lake Bluff one more time.
On Monday we will meet at 9:00 AM at Panera Bread in Wilmette
The Friday, Saturday, and Monday rides will be at our standard pace
The New Year's Day ride will be at a 14 mph pace on the trip down to Chicago and at our standard pace on the way home. Details below. This ride was a lot of fun last year. Highly recommended.
On New Years Day we will meet at Panera’s in Wilmette at 10:00 am and being a holiday you will be able to park along the tracks free of charge. We’ll try and work our way to the Lakeshore path and down to North Ave. beach where we will witness the Polar Bears taking their plunge into Lake Michigan. We will then proceed to Tiparos Thai Restaurant for lunch and talk about how much saner we are because we just ride our bikes in winter. If you are going to participate in the Polar Bear plunge please remember to bring your own suit and towel as the City of Chicago prohibits nude bathing in public and the club does not furnish towels for this ride
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