Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Costa Rica commuting
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Just One More Ride
After a long holiday break, lots of snow and way too much traveling, I finally got in my first bike commute of 2017. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that getting ready was a $hit show. I couldn't find my panniers and cold weather gloves, and the roads...oh the roads! Too many crunchy, icy spots to get the mind twitchy, the blood pressure up and the nerves rattled for a morning commute. But it wasn't as bad as I anticipated, and it was about time I got back into the commuter groove.
In 2016, I set a personal goal to #ridemoredriveless, for my health, my wallet and the environment. I even moved closer to Denver to ease up my overall commute time (and in protest of $17/day parking fees). I tested different assumptions about bike commuting - everything from required attire to lighting systems, from managing time to get to work and energy to commute and still ride for fun, and most importantly, how to manage my energy expenditure (aka sweat) and helmet head so I could arrive appropriately bright-eyed and professional.
My biggest mantra was simply to get on the bike and don't over think it. I learned to commute in a dress (and still prefer it to kitting out!), that donning a helmet with slight damp hairs = KILLER hair for the day, that a pan of brownies rides pretty well on a rear rack, that Colorado's network of bike paths are incredible and that panniers are everything.
Just for fun, I tallied my commutes for 2016. 99 total commutes to work, running errands and as a means of alternative transportation. One ride shy (if only I was paying attention!) and now sets my new goal for 2017. Here's to 100+ in 2017.
In 2016, I set a personal goal to #ridemoredriveless, for my health, my wallet and the environment. I even moved closer to Denver to ease up my overall commute time (and in protest of $17/day parking fees). I tested different assumptions about bike commuting - everything from required attire to lighting systems, from managing time to get to work and energy to commute and still ride for fun, and most importantly, how to manage my energy expenditure (aka sweat) and helmet head so I could arrive appropriately bright-eyed and professional.
My biggest mantra was simply to get on the bike and don't over think it. I learned to commute in a dress (and still prefer it to kitting out!), that donning a helmet with slight damp hairs = KILLER hair for the day, that a pan of brownies rides pretty well on a rear rack, that Colorado's network of bike paths are incredible and that panniers are everything.
Just for fun, I tallied my commutes for 2016. 99 total commutes to work, running errands and as a means of alternative transportation. One ride shy (if only I was paying attention!) and now sets my new goal for 2017. Here's to 100+ in 2017.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
AC Recovery
5 weeks post LockDown procedure has this Bike Ambassador having anxiety spikes at the very sight of roadies all bundled up commuting as I drive to work down Baseline and Arapahoe. At Megan's suggestion and coach Kasey Clark assistance I turned my 20 year old Jamis mountain bike into a spinner (changing out tires and getting alignment set) for rehab in my home office which has been great yet the having the comradery of Defined Fitness Training spin class or just the feel of the road is missed.
I've learned through this process that anyone who considers their age 1st and their health 2nd are already defeated which only leads down a negative path that adds to any agreeable comeback. The personal argument of Road Racing or Crits is a constant but certain struggle. Being part of a team with others that have experienced the same issues and knowing I always have someone to back me up has truly made my recovery process seem more attainable. Goal setting with you gals is so positive!
Dr. took my sling away yesterday, PT 3 times a day with pulleys, spinning and eating right....hope to add weights in 2 weeks and be in Spin classes by mid February and road by March 1st??? Sneaking off to Loreto, Baja Mexico in week to escape this cold.
Bike Ambassadors are going to have a monster mileage year while conquering a few podiums. Can't wait Ladies!!!!
5 weeks post LockDown procedure has this Bike Ambassador having anxiety spikes at the very sight of roadies all bundled up commuting as I drive to work down Baseline and Arapahoe. At Megan's suggestion and coach Kasey Clark assistance I turned my 20 year old Jamis mountain bike into a spinner (changing out tires and getting alignment set) for rehab in my home office which has been great yet the having the comradery of Defined Fitness Training spin class or just the feel of the road is missed.
I've learned through this process that anyone who considers their age 1st and their health 2nd are already defeated which only leads down a negative path that adds to any agreeable comeback. The personal argument of Road Racing or Crits is a constant but certain struggle. Being part of a team with others that have experienced the same issues and knowing I always have someone to back me up has truly made my recovery process seem more attainable. Goal setting with you gals is so positive!
Dr. took my sling away yesterday, PT 3 times a day with pulleys, spinning and eating right....hope to add weights in 2 weeks and be in Spin classes by mid February and road by March 1st??? Sneaking off to Loreto, Baja Mexico in week to escape this cold.
Bike Ambassadors are going to have a monster mileage year while conquering a few podiums. Can't wait Ladies!!!!
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