F the Y

Not that there is anything wrong with the Y, it's not Y's fault.  But, we decided that there are too many good things to do outside, and now we have room inside for setting up training equipment, why pay the dues, fight the roads, take the time to travel, go through the hassle?  Hence, F the Y.

As it is I am forced to use the equipment found in Holiday Inn Expresses and Comfort Inns across the Northeast and US when traveling at work.  I have my Y-foil on a trainer for indoor spinning, Donna will get a treadmill and we have free weights and mats for calestetics, what more do we really need?

However, it is the opportunity to push the limit on outdoor activities at home that is most appealing about F-ing the Y.  I just returned from a 14 mile ride on mostly icy / dirt roads around the house - out Coach, up Allen to Summit Lake - out and back on Dutchtown Road, and home.  It was 25 degrees with little wind and with the right gear, it was a comfortable 1:16 workout with good climbs, fresh air and georgous scenery.  I think I had one car pass me on Dutchtown,  that's it! 


My Epic has its Noikian studded tires on, and pink vet wrap to cover the white frame so some over-zealous deer hunter doesn't see a flash of white and shoot me.  For me, a hoody under the helmet, two technical shirts, my winter riding jersey and yellow wind jacket, CamelBack filled with warm water (under the wind jacket) on top.  Below: cycling shorts, midweight cycling pants and wind pants I bought for $2 at a bike store in Bennington, VT.  On the feet: wool socks, Seal Skin waterproof socks and Shimano winter MTB boots.

Last Sunday I did the annual Lake Desolation MTB ride.  A set of pictures and description can be found here:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=45506&id=1424203679&ref=mf.  While the loggers have made a mess of this area, it is still fun to get out with a group in such challenging conditions. 

Killington is open and I will be heading up tommorow!  F the Y.