Epic Week? Day 3: Snapping and Box

Alarm rings and the internal debate started.

“Sleep some more.  Don’t ride.”

“You’ve got to ride today.  You’ve planned a big week.”

“I can change my mind.”

“Just get up and see how it goes.”

“They will want to go fast.  I don’t have anymore fast left in me.”

“You can ride your own ride.”

“I need rest so I have fresh legs for tomorrow’s 200k.”

“Your legs are fine.  You can’t be wishing for fresh legs on the 1,000k on the north side of Lake Ontario.”

I got up.  I got ready.  And I got out the door and onto the bike.

The arguing completely stopped within the first minute of riding.  That’s how it usually goes.

We had seven riders out, and it wasn’t a slow ride … and it wasn’t a record setting pace, but it was quick enough.  At the Rusty Bridge Dan told us there was a snapping turtle on the trail so we adjusted our route to go see this critter.  The shell was about 10 inches long and it looked mean.  Turtle stories abounded as we picked up the pace again.  As we rolled down the trail after that, there was a “box” turtle in the middle of the trail.  It looked like a Maryland Terrapin.  We were careful to avoid it and it snapped itself in it’s shell as we passed by.  Not bad!  Two turtles in one day.

The rest of the ride was uneventful.  Occasionally someone would challenge with a little speed, but rarely was there any significant gap.  I had a couple of short sprints that felt good.  I always marvel at the moving dance that is a group ride.

In the end, another  22.5 miles were added to the week, bringing the running total to 176.4.  Tomorrow, rain or shine I’ll add a minimum of 124 miles on my ride to Ocean City for our Synod Assembly.  I’ll be carrying everything I need for the Assembly, so the bike will be loaded.  Posting will be limited.

Bible Verses of the Day:

Then Moses said to the Israelites: See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; (Exodus 35:30 NRSV)

When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (Acts 23:7 NRSV)