The last few weeks has seen Chicago weather bearable for outdoor training. Temps in the 20's to 40's. Got in a 177 mile weekend last week. Mighty cold and a stiff NE 10- 20 mph wind makes the windchill even colder. Dressing in layers, sweating and changing into dry clothes, and getting the bike fit for outdoor work slows things down a bit.
Some shifting problems caused me to recognize the need for a new chain and rear cassette. Both were worn to a numb and causing problems.
Friday, yesterday, did 4 loops of 26 miles each. Though the temp was supposed to be in the mid-50's it never got above 44. The wind was manageable the first 3 loops and then howled in the steady 20 mph ranges. Just as I finished the last loop it started to rain hard.
Today I need to get a lot of charting completed for my work as a psychologist. I need to know that my priority tasks are taken care of before I allow myself to `spin my wheels.'
Tomorrow the plan is to do another hundred or so. Temps to be colder and wind stiffer.
