Meet my new (dead) “friend”

This Ride: 16.2 mi
Kona Miles: 1626.2 mi
Month to date: 277.4 mi
2010 Total: 2092.7 mi

This morning I just couldn’t pull myself out of bed for the 5:45 ride and so I got a late start.  I wanted a recovery ride of sorts, so my initial goal was to achieve a maximum heart rate of about 135, but to average around 130.  A funny thing happened to this recovery ride.

While doing what I refer to as “the loop” I noticed a helmet-less cyclist peddling on the wrong side of the road.  He had a white shirt tucked in and a child carrier on the back of the bike.  No big deal for me.  I passed him, and headed to the trail.  A couple of miles later, I notice him again, going the same direction I am, and he is ahead of me!  My competitive streak kicks in and I make sure I pass him … again.  Now, I’m pretty sure that I was seeing things in my rear view mirror, but it seemed like he was keeping up with me and soon my heart rate maximum goal was blown.  I didn’t see him again on the ride, but it sure is interesting what a little competition does to the best laid plans.

I met my new (dead) “friend” at mile 11 into the ride. 
Yes, this little “friend” stopped by and left a memento of his visit in my upper left arm near my armpit.  I must say, I wasn’t very hospitable.  I grabbed him hard and tossed him aside like so much garbage.  Poor little guy.  Buzzing along thinking about the job and suddenly gets whacked by a massive red thing flying down the trail at 18 mph.  No wonder he stung me.

Despite this “friend”, it was a good ride.  I settled back down, kept the pedals turning and the heart rate in range.  17.1 mph for a recovery ride is pretty good for this stage of riding.  Now, do I have the guts for Terrible Tuesday?