Method to Cure the Funk

Regular readers noted that I was in a funk yesterday.  I’m not all the way back, but on my way.  This morning’s ride was a good antidote.

Rain was forecast overnight, but we were spared the wet … until the minute I pushed out the door.  I saw that it was coming on the radar, and still pushed through the mental objections, got dressed and out the door to a light sprinkle.  By the time I hit 100 yards, it was a steady rain and I simply kept pedaling.  It felt like I was on the last Eastern Shore Ride.  Within moments my shoes were full of water and all of my clothing was soaked.  I had intentionally chosen no rain gear.  It was 75° F and warm enough without it (although the rain felt cold).  My thoughts drifted to the Race Across America (RAAM) which starts today with senior solo riders and tomorrow with most other solo riders.  That was a good 11 days last year crewing for Randy.  I settled into a rhythm, and I must say that I was a little disappointed when the rain ended about the time I got to the Rusty Bridge.  Four of us were out, and we had a relatively easy pace.

Instead of following Dave and Scott into Round Bay, Chip and I continued on Old County Road.  He is still working out the lactic acid from this past weekend’s 600k.  We discussed the ups and downs of moods on the bike, and how sometimes just pedaling another foot seems to be the most challenging thing in the world.  We laughed.  We commiserated.  We wondered where in the world Dave and Scott were.  As it turns out, Scott flatted and they were delayed.  Never mind, Chip and I had a good easy ride, just what he needed … and apparently just what I needed too.

It is absolutely amazing what can be accomplished before 7:00.  When I got home, I was mostly dry except for my feet.  My socks held a lot of water and although none poured out of my shoes, it will take some time to dry them.

Cure the funk?  Ride in the rain with a friend.

This Ride: 20.1 miles
Month: 134.8 miles
2012: 2609.8 miles
Total since 1/1/2010: 16,463.5 miles