There is nothing quite like the first group ride of spring. Yesterday we had a group of eight and at times nine hardy riders come together for a ride. We rolled out of our place with Merrickville as our destination. This ride really is very enjoyable and the terrain is very friendly (i.e. flat).

We did battle some crazy headwinds and crosswinds on the way out, but better on the way out than the way back…. Good little stop in Merrickville for some tasty treats. Can’t beat the peanut butter bars at Brewed Awakenings – perfect combination of peanut butter cream, chocolate layer and a crispy chocolate crust. (No, these are not gluten-free and yes I ate one. I am not allergic to gluten – I just choose to avoid it as much as I can. Yesterday, was not one of those times…) We all kicked back a bit and then it was time to get back out on our bikes.

So that wind had shifted a bit… We did have some tailwind on the way back but down Malakoff it seemed like the wind was coming at us in all directions. All in all, it was an excellent ride. I was really concerned that I might not be good for the distance or pace but I was able to get through it. Some tough moments during the ride but generally I felt pretty good. Many thanks to the guys for such a great ride – good conversations, steady pace, and generally an excellent way to spend a Sunday.

Keeping my fingers crossed that this new dumping of 10 centimeters of snow that we’re getting today will be long gone by the weekend. I’d like to get out to Merrickville again and out to Almonte/Mississippi Mills on Saturday. Some good long back-to-back rides is just what I need right now.

As for today? It is a rest day. I’m off to Mountaingoat Yoga in a little bit for some hot power yoga. I would like to be welcoming spring with an outdoor ride but Mother Nature has another idea of what the first day of spring is like for us here in the snowy north. Oh well, the season is long and I’m going to make the most of it.

Just sitting here after one of the best rides I’ve done. There aren’t any photos of breath taking scenery. No tales of epic climbs. I didn’t win the sprint for the town sign. Instead it was just me and the open road. Sounds pretty typical for my rides right? Except for one thing, I had complete and utter freedom. From my brain. Yes, my brain turned off. There weren’t any “to do” lists floating through my brain, I wasn’t thinking ahead to what to have for supper today/tomorrow/next week, I wasn’t fretting about the unfolded laundry or the messy basement. Nope, my brain took a break and just sat on for the ride.

This doesn’t happen very often for me. Normally my brain is as busy during my rides as my legs. Sometimes it seems the harder and longer I pedal, the more my brain shouts and churns away. But not today.

It was a great ride.

Funny thing is I didn’t even realize this had happened until I was in the shower thinking about my ride and I realized that I couldn’t remember what I was thinking about during my ride… I know it sounds confusing but really it is quite simple. I had a break-through ride. It was me, my bike, and no one else.

Crossing my fingers that this isn’t a fluke and that I can repeat this tomorrow. Right now this is worth more to me than power numbers and race registrations.

Yes, I want it to rain. The rain melts the snow. The rain means we are above freezing. So bring on the rain.

I did get out for a ride on Tuesday afternoon. It was most excellent. The sun was shining. Light wind blowing. Really perfect conditions for the first spring ride of the year. The roads were also very dry. The only sections with water were on the streets of my little suburb. I did notice that the snow in the fields really is melting quickly. I wasn’t riding along a road surrounded with massive snow banks as I have in years past. All in all, an excellent ride.

The only problem during the ride was my tendency to over dress. I have a fear of being cold. So instead I pile on layer after layer and end up being a tad warm and getting a bit over-heated. Eventually I’ll get the fine art of dressing for the early season rides correct. Looking forward to the days when all I need to pull on are shorts and a jersey.

Today I was back on the trainer due to the most welcome rain. With talks of freezing rain and potential snow flurries, the only logical choice for me was the basement. No problems I had some entertainment on the television to keep me company. I’ve been watching Spooks – an excellent crime drama.

Okay, so everyone do a rain dance today and lets hope for the sunny weather promised for the weekend. I guess March is in like a lion but will be out like a lamb…