As I sit in my little bungalow on the second day of heavy rain....I start to think about preparing for the winter with the proper vehicle!! Last night as I was driving home my car was sort of slip sliding in the rain!! Now granted my tires are worn.... I have made numerous trips back and forth to San Diego in addition to driving another 10,000 going back and forth to work from Dayton to Truckee this summer!! Needless to say - My Rogue is a good little car and I love it!! But I want to feel safe driving in wet & snowy conditions. So the question is this.... Do I need to trade out my Rogue S for a Rogue AWD or can I just put on a real good set of snow tires and still be Safe!? My driving in Truckee is limited to in town and over to Tahoe City for work. Typically about 15 miles on hwy. 89 (fairly flat). I don't see myself driving over any passes during a storm and from what I hear the area is plowed pretty quickly after snow!! Im looking forward to hearing from all you professional snowy road drivers!! 

It is hard to believe I am really here living a life in the Sierra's!!  The first few weeks I had to keep reminding myself that Im not on vacation - I live here!!  Now as my life falls into the rhythm of a daily routine - I just smile and every now and again let out a laugh of disbelief!!  I can safely say I have acclimated to the altitude, I can navigate my way around town,  I have found several amazing cycling routes and awesome climbs, and I am finding the great places to eat that only the locals know about!! What I may Not be prepared for is Winter!!!!

Sept. 22nd was the first snowfall of the season...And I missed it!! I went to Dayton to visit my mom and came back in a bit of a rain storm but was devastated when I heard that not only did it snow in Truckee but also in Tahoe City where I work!! I missed it completely! Although it did get me to thinking about snow tires, all wheel drive, 4x4 and is my car ready for this!?  Do I need a windshield cover? Or should I get an ice scraper? Can I just throw water on the snow to wash it off the car??  I thought I had a few more weeks to figure this all out....but tonight, while at home the temps dropped, the rain fell and sure enough snow has covered the ground!!  Im filled with excitement of a New Adventure and then begin to wonder about tomorrow..... will I need a snow shovel,  will my car be safe to drive, do I have enough warm clothes?? I don't know the answers ....but that is part of the Adventure!!

Today a group of Cycling Adventurers' met up in Descanso for a bike ride out to Julian & back!! The weather could not have been any more perfect! A cool crisp morning unfolding into a beautiful Fall Day!! The views of the colorful trees & the crystal blue Lake Cuyamaca were breathtaking!!  The turn around location at the Julian Pie Store provided us with a chance to refuel on Apple Pie & bask in the warm sun before heading back to Descanco. Total trip was 47 miles & 4000 feet climb.  Anyone want to make this a Cycling Adventures Tradition??  

Living in San Diego, we are fortunate to have limited inclement weather!  While you are encouraged to use caution when going out to ride during cold & wet weather; sometimes it is beneficial to train in these conditions.  The skills you develop will help you become a more confident cyclist, as well as aid in preparing you for any kind of weather that might develop on a long ride or Century event.  By being prepared and having the proper clothing you can turn a day of rotten weather into a fun & enjoyable Cycling Adventure!

Whenever you are preparing for a ride you should check the weather for your entire route.  It could be sunny and warm inland but foggy and cold on the coast.  By checking the weather you can plan ahead and wear or bring along the clothes you will need to stay warm.  Below is a list of items that fit easily in your jersey pocket or a fanny pack and will help you overcome almost any inclement weather.

Typical San Diego cycling clothes:

Bike shorts (no underwear)

Jersey & Gloves

Below 65 degrees add:

Base layer (short sleeve)

Knee warmers / Arm warmers

Cycling vest

Most cyclists agree the trick to staying warm is focusing on your core, fingers, toes and head.  By keeping these areas warm & dry ~ you will most likely endure the distance home!!

Below 55 degrees add:

Long Sleeve base layer

Leg warmers /Arm warmers

Cycling jacket

Glove liners / Head band

Wool socks / Foot covers

Below 45 degrees add:

Thermal base layer

Long sleeve jersey/ Full length tights

Lined cycling jacket

Full finger gloves / Baklava 

Wool socks / Shoe covers

Rain add:

Waterproof jacket (or trash bag)

Shower cap for over helmet

Full finger gloves

Water proof booties

Ziplock in saddle bag for electronics

A New Year always brings the promise of change and new accomplishments! What better time to commit to increasing your physical fitness and improving your health? You do not need to do it alone! 
Join Cycling Adventures for weekly training workouts and Sunday Social Rides!! The group is led by a Level 2 Cycling Coach with a passion for cycling & Adventure!
Check out our web page:  http://www.cyclingadventures.net/ 
And our meetup page:  
http://www.meetup.com/The-San-Diego-Cycling-Adventures-Group/
And let 2013 be the beginning of the New You!!

Cycling Adventures would like to hear your feedback on the Cool Breeze Century Weekend. Please share your thoughts on the house rental, event day and weekend meals & celebrations!!

Cycling Adventures offered a 10 week hill workout to build climbing and descending skills. Workouts rotated between Torrey Pines Hill, San Elijo and Soledad Repeats. The final exam was climbing Pacifica in La Jolla! Congratulations to all the participated.

The Breathless Agony Team trained for 10 weeks to participate Chuck Bramwell's ride which consisted of 114 miles and 12,000 feet of climb!

My name is Ginger Crutchfield and my passion is cycling! I joined a Team in Training cycling program in January 2001 and have not stopped cycling since. I have trained, mentored and coached many programs. I have participated in over 100 organized events from half century to ultra endurance rides but my passion always comes back to the joy of introducing people to cycling and helping them reach their training goals. Cycling Adventures was created to bring cyclists together for training, exercise and FUN! 
The purpose is for this to be an interactive page so please share your thoughts and ideas on your Cycling Adventures Experience!
Remember...it's not just cycling....it's an Adventure!!