First Morning Ride of Autumn
This Ride: 21.3 miles
Kona Distance: 3,669.7 miles
Month to date: 493 miles
2010 Total: 4136.2 miles
Pace to 5,254.8 mile goal in 2010: (271.9 miles ahead of goal pace)
Welcome to autumn. A strong thunderstorm rumbled through last night. Most of the water evaporated so it was mostly dry with a few puddles. The moon was full, and a little higher in the sky this morning. It was about 68 degrees, a perfect morning for a bike ride. That’s what I kept telling myself as I rolled out of bed. I really didn’t want to ride this morning. My legs felt heavy and I’m tired. This was one of those mornings that routine is what got me out the door fully clothed and ready to ride. I’m amazed I didn’t forget anything.
I think there were seven on the ride. I didn’t ride long with them. I was off the back within the first 2 miles, and decided to simply ride the trail. Mike C said that suited him well too, so we set off together, with him in the lead. I sucked his wheel about 3/4 of the ride. He clearly was pulling me because I struggled to keep up. He was glad to lead out. At the south end of the trail, we had an average of 17 mph, which surprised him.
It was at the end of the trail when we saw the first two riders of the peloton, and we wondered where the rest were. After we started back north on the trail, we discovered that Clif had flatted. We stopped and he indicated that he had hit the groove in Old County Road hard … the same one that flatted Dave yesterday. He waved us on as he had two others helping him change the flat.
On the way back, Mike and I shared long pulls. I was getting a little energy back. We kept a reasonable brisk pace. I was surprised to see that it averaged over 18 mph those last 12 miles.
This was a nice attitude adjustment ride. I’m still tired, but that’s ok. I’ve had long days at work and haven’t been able to get to bed early. I’m hoping for the energy for a longer ride tomorrow, but as on most Fridays, I’ll see where I am before deciding how far to go.
Rev Rider 