Biking With Kids

I did my first century (100 mile) bike ride yesterday, what a blast.

After putting in around 150 miles on the tandem with the trail-a-bike attached, getting back on my road bike was amazing.  Hills that looked like I would need the small chain-ring I could easily tackle in the middle ring, and I could really feel the acceleration with each pedal stroke.

The key learning from my ride is that I need to fit in a few more road bike rides so that my body will get used to the riding position.  The tandem has a more upright position with different bars, so while I’m pretty used to that position, I was a little sore after 8 hrs on my road bike.

All it all, I would highly recommend training with a kid or two attached to your bike, not only will it help with your hill climbing, but it will give your kids some memories that they will enjoy for a lifetime.

The 100 Mile Crew

Troy\\\’s Memorial Day Century Ride at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail:GPS Geotagging

Biking in Maine in the winter can be a little challenging.  Luckily there are a lot of other great outdoor activities that will keep you in shape so that when the time comes you will be ready to ride.

Graceful

Last year I re-discovered cross country skiing.  We had been getting a lot of snow and I was looking for a way to get outside and get some exercise.  I dusted off my 20 year old L.L. Bean skis and headed into the woods.  I had completely forgotten what a blast it is to get out into the forest in the winter time.  Everything is muted and still, fresh and clean.  I had also forgotten what a work out it is (of course last time I back country skied I was much younger and in much better shape)!

Today I went out for my 3rd cross country ski of 2009.  We’re having another great snow year and i have been finding some time early in the morning to get out and ski.  I have been bringing my heart rate monitor with me and I’m amazed how easy it is to get my heart rate in the 150-170 zone.  Just cruising along at a smooth gliding pace in 3-4 inches of snow keeps my heart rate at 150.  Of course I’m sure it will go down as I ski more, but I really am in decent shape at the moment, far better than I was last year at this time.

Cardio

We got another 18 inches of snow after I got back from skiing.  I can’t wait to get back out there and break some trail!

18 Inches of Snow!