Riding season and other Q's

I have three questions for all of you :

1. When does the usual season start/end in the New England area (or any area that has normal 4 season weather) ?

2. I ride almost everyday, but just rescently (9 days or so) I finaly started doing 25+ mile trips with some good inclines. I'm wondering, at this stage even though I can feel my legs a little bit sore on the next day, should I ride that next day to get rid of the soreness, or take a break?

3. How long does it usualy take so that I can go 25+ miles and wouldn't feel my legs the next day? (I will follow the training that works the quickest )

Thank you,
-Greg

Ok, let me re-phrase it. What is the last average week/month of the year, or the coldest weather to ride in ??

I'm just mad at myself for starting out so late this year . I'm already looking forward to next year so that I can start as early as possible (in May or earlier?) .

Your question is hard to answer. With good winter gear, lot's of people ride more-or-less year round. Short trips and commutes aren't bad if you can dress properly and avoid sweating.

My personal comfort zone here ends around 28-30 F....and that's on a dry, sunny midday. Winds, clouds and humidity reduce the comfort zone quite a bit, and any rain in cold temps is a no-go for me. Trick is to wear just enough and be able to manage moisture by unzipping or taking off layers as you warm up. Hills are a special challenge, since it's easy to heat up and sweat climbing up, then freeze going down. Even where you are, it can be a lot of fun to get the bike out on nice winter day.

You've got options though. You could get an indoor trainer for your bike and train in the evenings at home in a cool garage or basement. Or, join a gym or local Y over the winter. Rather than cycling, you could always crosstrain with skating, XC skiing or running.

Yea you're right. I snowboard during winter at least once a week. That trainer is a great idea I will definitely get one. My thing is that it takes a while to gain that good leg form (or at least for me so far because I'm still a little sore next day). I absolutely fell in love with cycling. Got all that I need so far for clothing and gear, and I just want to keep riding. Doing around 25+ miles @ 15-20 mph.

I have a neighbor who races, he's the one who inspired me to start riding on the roads (making the crossover from the MTB, which I still use occasionally). I've seen him suit up in the cold weather gear and go out for a spin only a day or two after a major snowstorm.

So to answer your question, IMO, it depends on the gear you're wearing.

BTW - I'm gonna be working in your area on Wednesday.

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Really? What do you do for work? BTW I just did my first 40 miler today ! I am so pumped up, lol. Went from Beverly - Gloucester - Salem and back. Still riding solo but attach to riders along the way once in a while. My av. speed is about 17 on flats and 12-14 on inclines, depending on % I try not to go below 10 mph .
I know I'm still very beginer.

I'm an electrician who specializes in fire alarm systems. I'm gonna be testing the system at the Hollywood Hits movie theater in Danvers on Wednesday. I'll be working in the Witch City sometime in October doing the final quarter test for the year at Salem Heights Apartments.

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"I have no karma - I had to get rid of my karma, because it runned over my dogma..."

Cool. I work all around my area, and try to ride almost everyday at least 10 miles a day after work, and longer rides on days off.

I just checked the "crystal ball" forecast for my area, it looks like some superb riding weather is on deck for the rest of this week. I've been going stir-crazy for the last few days, either because of having to work too late or the weather not cooperating enough to get any rides in this past week....

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"I have no karma - I had to get rid of my karma, because it runned over my dogma..."

haha ya exactly. I check the weather like 5 times a day now just cause of riding, lol. Today was a close one for me. But I got tues and sundays off and next tues looks perfect