On the bike

Most of my previous postings discuss ride preparation. Some people have requested that I write about my training, so here goes...

This season, my first ride was in April going down Rock Creek and up the Capital Crescent trails. I rode my hybrid bike with two friends who were riding their mountain bikes. It was a beautiful way to start the season. We rode approximately 20 miles. Soon after this ride, I got up the nerve to buy my first real "road" bike.

With my new road bike, I started out riding around the neighborhood (anywhere from 3 - 12 miles). At first, my confidence on the road bike was not high as I would have liked it to be, but the short rides let me build my confidence and balancing abilities. I slowly started to increase the length of the rides throughout the season.

A group of friends and coworkers went out for a ride on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (a.k.a. W&O). The trail was lovely - there weren't any cars to deal with except when the trail occasionally intersected a road. However, as I soon found out, on the W&O there are more runners, walkers, and rollerbladers. When riding around others, it is useful to let people know when you are behind them and are ready to pass them by saying, “On your left.” More of language used when riding in another post...

The Reston Town Center is also a great way to access some rides whether you plan to ride on the W&O or not. With other PPTC riders, I went on a nice (albeit hilly) ride through Great Falls. For those on the other side of the Potomac there are some nice rides in Laytonsville, MD that I frequent. Throughout July, I have been riding at least one 20 – 25 mile ride each week.

At the start of the summer, I was planning to ride the metric century at Berryville. I need to build up to at least 50 miles by the beginning of September if I plan to ride 62+ miles. So, I will be working on my endurance on my bike and on elliptical machine. Perhaps, the 50-mile loop would better suit my current fitness level, but we will see how the last month of training goes!

For more rides, check out these routes, trails, and cue sheets.
Also, look for more events!