Dead toe warmers

This Ride: 21.8 miles
Month: 280.9 miles
2011: 1,212.1 miles
Total since 1/1/10: 7,331.8 miles

This morning was more of an effort.  It didn’t help that the once used toe warmers I had in a ziplock in the refrigerator were apparently dead.  My toes didn’t freeze, but they were a bit chilly and if my feet are cold, I’m not very happy.  It was 34° F this morning.  Good thing the Gore booties do a nice job by themselves.

Bryan and I pushed off from the Rusty Bridge at 5:45 and were quickly joined by three other riders.  We met Mike as he was doing an early commute to work.  This was Mosey Monday, and most of us took it easy.  Most of us meaning not me.  Since I was struggling, it seemed to be more work for me.  I did spin up the hills.  Hills are my new obstacle that I need to develop a different attitude about and find better ways to engage.  That’s going to be critical in completing my R-12 with enthusiasm.  I’m embarrassed that I worked so hard for less than 15 mph rolling speed.

But that’s the way it is with cycling, I’ve learned.  Some days one is fast and it is easy.  Some days it is tough and slow.  Some of that has to do with nutrition and hydration.  Some of it has to do with fatigue and other parts of life entering in.  Predicting it is beyond me at this point.  So I simply get out and ride as often as I can and try not to let the mood determine whether or not I ride.