4/17/11 Ride Recap

The wind was even more fierce than we expected it to be, while due to a bright sun being out, the wind chill was not nearly as uncomfortable as we feared it might be. Weather.com's forecast that the wind would be 20 mph out of the WNW seemed to be on target. We did a Panera to Panera ride which is mostly north-south, so it was a crosswind for much of the ride. On the way back from Panera Bread in Lake Bluff heading east, no one pushed on a pedal during the 150 yards to the bike path. The wind was at our backs, and we  coasted all the way to the bike path as the wind blew us east at a surprisingly fast pace.

While we were at Panera for the mid ride stop, we decided that we should give Hugo lessons on how to strip off apparel when overdressed if the weather warms up during a ride. We had one of the longest stops in history for a clothing adjustment.

Rides Planned For 4/16 and 4/17

I will lead rides on Saturday 4/16/2011 and Sunday 4/17/2011. Both rides will start from Panera Bread in Wilmette at 08:00 AM. Destination will be determined on the day of the ride. Distance 45-60 miles with one food/restroom stop in the middle. If the weather is unsuitable for riding, cancellations will be posted by 07:00AM on the day of the ride. 
Felix 

The First After Work Ride

The after work rides got off to a rather inauspicious start. Wednesday was a chilly, breezy night, with gusts blowing out of the north that reached 20 mph. The winds (or maybe good sense on the part of others) held participation down to just four riders, Felix Angelov Jr, and Sr. Paul Sumner, and me. The ride north directly into the wind on a chilly spring night was not particularly pleasant. Heading north from Wilmette on Sheridan Road dodging all the potholes during rush hour traffic was a bit dicey. We achieved our goal of riding to Fort Sheridan, but once there were ready to turn back without even touring the fort. However, the change in direction re-vitalized the ride. It was really fun riding with a big wind almost directly at our back pushing us home. Also, we came back through the Skokie Lagoons, a better route for biking.

Despite the inaugural after work ride only being mildly successful, it may become a regular event. Better weather and longer daylight hours should make for more fun rides and bring out more participants.

After Work Ride On Thursday (4/14) - 6:00 pm

 I will lead a "After Work" ride on Thursday 4/14/2011. We will start at 18:00 from Panera Bread in Wilmette.
Destination - Fort Sheridan via Sheridan Road.  Approximate distance 25 miles.
No food stop during the ride, maybe a stop back at Panera at the end. If you are going to ride home after the ride consider having lights as it will be getting dark after 19:30. For those driving, check the parking time before you park near Panera. I am not sure when the free parking starts there during the week.
If you are planning to come for this ride, please send me an email, so I can look for you. Try to be on time, as a deley in the start can make us ride in the dark at the end.
Felix

This Weekend's Rides

The first nice weekend of 2011 brought a lot of riders out of hibernation. Not only did the size of our group get bigger, but we saw lots of other groups of bike riders. We had 10 riders on Saturday and 8 on Sunday. Saturday's ride included a trek to the Cuba Road "rollers", and meeting up with another group of riders from the Evanston Bike Club at the Deerfield Bakery. Most of the calories that got burned off during the ride were replaced during the stop.

The Sunday ride was a 40+ miler from Panera in Wilmette to Panera Bread in Lake Bluff. We regained our capability to refer to the ride as a 20+ mph ride without resorting to puffery. Much of the ride going north was at a mildly wind aided 23-25 mph pace. On the way back home, the pace was above 20 much of the way, despite having to fight the wind.

A highlight of the Sunday ride was admiring Hugo's new Serotta bike frame. It was the first time he had it out for a spin,  and more than a few of us developed a case of bicycle envy.

Rides on 4/9/11 and 4/10/11

Rides planned for Saturday 4/9/2011 and Sunday 4/10/2011. Both rides will start from Panera Bread in Wilmette at 08:00 AM. 
Destination will be determined on the day of the ride. Distance 45-60 miles with one food/restroom stop in the middle. On Saturday we could go west on Cuba road and then stop at the Deerfield Bakery to meet Heidi's group. If the weather is bad,    a cancellation will be posted by 07:00AM on the day of the ride. 
Felix

The Pardon The Interruption Ride On 4/2

We welcomed two new riders to our group today, Dave Reesh and Tom Winger. It seemed odd going for a ride without Felix leading the group (he had to work). He missed a ride that was interruptioned by numerous delays due to two flat tires and a stop at the Higher Gear bike shop. And on the way back via Green Bay Road, it seemed like we caught red lights at every intersection from Winnetka to Wilmette.

The strong wind blowing from the northwest had a big impact on our speed. As shown by the blue data  below from Martin's power meter, heading into the wind on our way to Bluffington's, we struggled to get up to 20 mph. On the way back to Wilmette with the benefit of a tail wind. we were well above 22 mph much of the way with a few stretches above 25 mph. The yellow (power) and green (RPM) data points show that the difference in speed on the way back was mostly due to the wind, as about the same amount of power was expanded during both segments of the ride.