Coming Together

We had a couple of "warmer" days, with temps in the upper 30's to lower 40's with bright sun. That gave me some motivation to get going on getting the Aero back together. I've cleaned everything up, put the cranks on and the cassette on the rear wheel. Soon, it will be ready to ride. Too bad cold days are on the way and we have had some storms with wet snow, rain and ice. So, the roads aren't too good for riding and I'll have to get out to the woods and see if the trails are still ok for skiing.

Not Exactly Biking Weather

We have been getting one snowstorm after another this winter. Almost every one of them has been nice cold snow that is great for cross country skiing out back in the woods. This has been one of the best skiing winters that I can remember. I enjoy having a break from cycling, especially when the X-country skiing can take its place. The forecast is for another storm on Tuesday and Wednesday. And potentially yet another one next Saturday. I broke down last weekend and bought a new set of skis. Fischer Silent Spider, with back country bindings and boots. They are 189cm long, with metal edges. Designed to be used for light back country or at the touring centers. My previous Rosignols, 15 to 20 years old, are 215cm without metal edges. What a difference the shorter skis and edges make. I can actually make the turns without worrying about kissing the trees!

Chloe loves the winter in the woods

So do I

Brian wishes Mom and Dad were faster

I have been giving my Aero its yearly cleaning, so it is in no shape to ride anyway. The frame is on the workstand and most of the parts are off the bike. I am starting to get the itch to get back on the bike. Sometimes when I drive down a rode that I ride on often, I think about what it feels like to ride the bike down that stretch of the road. That's why I like having this break. When the weather does turn, I am really looking forward to getting back on the bike.

For now, I am going to enjoy the great skiing conditions.

New Years Day Ride

I believe this is the first time I've ridden on New Years Day. This year's temps were in the mid 50's about a week after a snow storm. I did the 21 mile Brentwood loop and stopped for a couple of pictures at the Creamery Brook Farm on Rt 111.

A good year

The year ended with a total of approx 3000 miles for the year. Not many miles for some, others think its a lot of riding. It's a good year for me when I hit 3000 miles. My last ride in 2010 was in early November. We have been turning our decaying deck into a sun room. Even though I am not doing most of the work, it has kept me busy. And when the cooler weather comes, I get busy cutting and splitting wood for the next winter, along with getting ready for the coming winter. Not to mention the very short days and I don't feel comfortable riding at night on the roads in this area. So, the bike tends to get put aside.

Doesn't get much better

I missed riding much of the best couple of weeks we have here due to flu symptoms for two weeks. I've only ridden 40 or so miles in the past couple of weeks, and the fall foliage is a little past peak color right now. But today would've been perfect if it was peak color. The sun came out around noon and the temperature went up to 70 degrees. Just a great day to ride this time of year.

I didn't want the flu to come back so did an easy pace ride around the Brentwood loop.

Pumpkins for sale on Route 111

Maple on South Road

South Road

I'm not sure how Beech Hill Road got its name. I would've named it Maple Hill Road. It is always one of the prettiest roads around during peak color.

Top of Beech Hill

September's Gone By

I've been very lazy or maybe just busy enjoying riding my Aero. I started doing longer rides at the end of August and through September. On one ride I was at the 35 mile mark and just didn't feel like stopping. Seemed like 35 miles was getting to be a shorter ride.

I rode the Granite State Wheelmen's Seacoast Century. A very popular century that goes through three states. I hadn't done the full century for a few years now, but was in good shape and completed the entire 103 miles without feeling bad at all. After, a number of riders went over to Hoyts Lodges where John and Ann were gracious enough to let us invade their yard and have a Bar-B-Q. Rich Pinto of Bacchetta Bicycles and his wife Ann supplied the food and drink despite Rich  receiving a few insults during the day. Not from me, maybe one or two, because he didn't have a CA 2.0 Aero waiting for me at the start. He can design fantastic bicycles, but starting the grill required a little help! We had a bright, sunny day with temps in the low 80's. As the sun was setting in the West we were treated to a beautiful view of the light shining on the Isle of Shoals just off the coast in front of the lodges. Wish I had taken a picture.

Nubble Light in Maine

It did feel good to see the Van after 103 miles

Today, I went out for a lunchtime ride of approx 34 miles. It just felt good. There was a solid cloud cover of alto cumulus clouds, temperature in the upper 50's and a good wind. Felt like winter was not far away.

Exeter River on Linden Road

Dry Summer

After the heavy rain and floods early this spring, we've had a dry summer. I stopped by Packer's Falls on Friday and walked down to the river. I only had my cell phone camera to take a few pictures of the river in August.

Here are a couple I posted in February.

Friday was great day with deep blue skies and the trees seemed to have a dark green color.

Packer's Falls bridge looking towards Durham

Packer's Falls Road looking towards Newmarket