Spring is around the corner!

[GinnySellars]

Hey Gang

I had a gorgeous 3 hr ride outside today. I had to wait until the ice on the roads melted, then headed out on my new Cannondale cross bike. This bike is extending my riding season for sure. I was totally confident on the gravel and thin ice. I think I would have cried getting that junk on my road bike. It'll be a month or so until they clean off the roads I think.

So I noticed a few things...
- it was hard to keep the intensity in check. It's effortful even in the low gears!
- my low back was really tight after some climbs
- time flies by in double time. 3 hrs on the road felt like 1.5 hrs on the trainer
- I got some HR drift by the end. I had to keep dropping the gears to get home.
- the birds are back! the trees were full of birds...spring must be soon.
- don't get me wrong...skiing is awesome...but I sure love my bike!

I hope we get a few more early season warm days, to help Simon and I get some early road time before IM St. George. Walla Walla is even 3 weeks before that!

[StephenU]

Jealous!!
Yes, the Cross-Bike is a savior for Winter, early spring, and Fall riding.. (I can't wait to get my new Cannondale CAADX!)  Everyone needs one even if they don't plan on cross racing. Put on a full fender kit and there is not a bad weather situation that you cannot handle. (except 17cm of snow)  Also, as you mentioned, it saves your expensive carbon race bike for good weather and racing...
Also, in my opinion, riding the heavier bike in training is good and will give you extra power once the real riding starts.  Your road bike will feel like a rocket ship Ginny!