The bike - my safe place

Sometimes, it feels as if my bike really is my "safe place" - when most other things are overwhelming, riding my bike is surprisingly simple.

Of course, the getting dressed for the weather outside can be quite a task when you are not feeling great to start with, but when I have made it through all the decisions, which bike to take out, what to wear, what nutrition to bring, where to go, it gets surprisingly simple.

I am just sitting on my bike and pedaling.
There is really not much more about it.

While riding on the road, most of my atttention is focused on the few meters of road right in front of me, and the cars behind and in front of me, and the rest is mind-wandering or a casual glimpse at my watch to check for heart rate.

I must admit that even when the traffic is a bit daunting, my bike still feels like a safe place.
As for the possibility to get hit by a car, that possibility is there just as much when I am on the road driving myself, or when walking or crossing the road.
So I just try my best to be a "decent cyclist", meaning that when I am on narrow roads, and hear a huge truck from behind, and know there are few chances for him to safely drive by, I slow down and give him space if possible.

Why being a stubborn cyclist, claiming a huge part of the road when I can be decent and give way for someone that is probably driving his truck to make a living, while I ride my bike for the pure joy of it.

A few seconds more or less, or even minutes, on my workout total don't bother me at all.

I'd rather be a friendly cyclist and ride safely and share the road so I can have a good experience, and feel "safe".

One funny thing that doesn't happen very often, is that I got hot on the bike because I had dressed too much for the outside temperature.

After all, yes, it was sunny, but it was also end of august and by definition, fall was approaching fast.

I usually love sleeveless tops for bike riding in the summer (for the freedom of movement and better tan lines) but chose a bike jersey.

And it got soo hot!
And while I often wear a really thin sleeveless top underneath so I'd be more flexible in terms of how many layers to wear, I didn't this time.

Well - it was still nice bike ride.
The hills were long and beautiful, the sun shining and the view excellent.
My legs felt fine and I didn't bother too much about how fast or slow I went on.

Just had a good time on my bike, and a break from my usual overthinking.

Yep, my bike is still my safe place.

On the road again.

Dry roads. Blue sky. Sunshine. Very little trafic. Only a slight breeze.
Perfect conditions for a bike ride.
The month?
March.
The temperature? 5C or so?
Motivation to go outside and ride? B-I-G!

It's all about dressing right when out on the bike in the winter.
Which I did. Not too fancy maybe, with my super warm Keen boots and skiing mittens, but they kept me warm.

Our lake is so beautiful and I never get tired of the view.

Well it's only early march, not much green yet, but lots of blue!
At Sanden Camping, I had to take a stop.
There is that little beach with those round, smooth stones and the water with the color like honey.

The weather was so beautiful that I even got out of the house at 10.00 a.m., and that is early for me!!
But I really enjoyed it.
I would never gotten out for a run that "early", I'm definitively more of an evening athlete.
But to go on a bike ride in the sunshine in the morning is not too bad.

I might not look as happy as I was, but I really enjoyed it! 

I tried to keep my heartrate low, which is not east since it's a really rolling or even hilly bike ride along the lake. But that's ok. Just took it easy on the way up the hills, and enoyed the ride down!

This spring my focus is on long low intensity bike rides and speed skills.
Since this bike ride was supposed to be easy, I allowed myself to stop at the camping and relax for a few minutes. Skorve mountain with the fresh white snow was a beautiful view.Very soothing!

I can take a break if I want! 

I was glad I chose my Keen winter boots instead of bike shoes. Even with overshoes, I find proper bike shoes way too cold to ride in the winter.
My Keen boots on the other hands are both warm and comfy, and they have plenty of space for two pair of wool socks, and place to wiggle my toes.
They are long, going up on my legs, but are soft around the ancles and don't impair proper ancle movement - important for a round leg turnover on the bike.
I wasn't really aerodynamic that day, clothing-wise:

• my good old SWIX skiing pants (wind-proof in front, and more flexible and breathable in the back)
• alpine mittens
• Hi-viz vest for extra windproofing on the upper body and extra visibility 
• my KEEN boots
• cycling jacket from Gore Bikewear (ok, one piece of slightly aerodynamic and proper bike clothing, I just love that jacket)

And, of course, wool underwear because there is nothing better than merino wool underwear in the winter (or any season really).
And a bandana - a real a super garment. A piece of clothing that I can hardly do without.

I love the lake and the view! 

The roads were dry and almost free from stones, but terribly dusty so I chose my mountainbike. My tribike is still really hard to get outside unless it's summertime - it's a bit spoiled so it'll stay on the indoor trainer for a few more weeks.

My Hardrocx has become a true friend.

Mountain biking is a lot of fun, so I've decided that since I won't be able to do triathlons this year due to plantar fasciitis, I'll do a mountain bike race!
I actually have never done one before!
I have participated in two or three sprint triathlons with my former mountainbike, but never in a proper bike ride.
So that's exciting!
And I love my Hardrocx bike. Just love it.

So let's hope for more sunshiny days so I can get my bike outside and ride! :)