It is a matter of just showing up

This Ride: 22.6 miles
Month: 580.6 miles
2011: 3,950.5 miles
Total since 1/1/2010: 10,070.2 miles

Someone asked me today how I’ve been able to get so many miles in on the bike. The answer is quite simple. It is a matter of just showing up. I can’t get miles unless I drag myself out of bed and get on the bike and ride. Those who get the most miles each month are those who are out regularly to ride.

There were at least 10 out today for our morning ride, with 7-8 of those deciding to ride fast.  From the beginning, I chose to stay back and ride at a reasonable pace.  I’m riding a 200k tomorrow and I didn’t want to burn my legs out.  Mike C. and later, Jim K. joined me for a nice ride … still quick, but not unreasonable.

Before Dan & Clif got tempted to go with the faster riders, Dan regaled us with his solo “Four Presidents”ride last Sunday.  In 200k it has over 10,000 feet of climbing.  He struggled a bit in the heat of the afternoon, but it was a successful and beautiful ride.

Tomorrow’s 200k should prove to be interesting.  I’m driving several hours to the 6:00 am start.  It is a flat course and the temperature forecast is from 75 at the start to 92 early afternoon.  It is a mostly unshaded course, so I’ll make sure I have the camelback and plenty of sunscreen.  It will be good to ride with Mike again.