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08-16-08, 03:39 PM
I rode for the first time in a couple of months today, and it was nice... in a strange sort of way.
I drove to the levee since I didn't want to face any climbs today, and decided I might be able to do the whole levee and back (about 8 miles) which does include a couple of small climbs to get across the river.
When I got to the end of the levee, I felt prety good, so I kept riding on the city streets in Wilkes-Barre and then after a few blocks I heard a ticking sound that I was afraid was a spoke issue with my front wheel. When I stopped, it ended up being just a clump of gooey asphalt that I picked up somehow and after I cleared enough to continue the ride, I rode over to the LBS to say hi, and meet the new mechanic.
So, I did, and then started my ride back. After I hit the levee, and crossed the river, I started the descent and was puffing from the climb and almost inhaled a bug, but I felt good about being able to spit it out instead of inhaling, but the little thing managed to sting me on the upper lip on the way out. I wish I would have bit the little sucker now.
I finished the ride with 11.57 miles, with only two short stops (one at the LBS), so I did significantly better than I thought I would do. I thought I was optimistic when I set an obective of 6 or 7 miles.
The route is basically what I would have to cover to commute, with the exceptiuon of what I drove, which would add 2 miles each way with a couple of climbs at the end near my home... So, I think since I can ride it round trip, I may be able to talk myself into commuting. Since the commute would be about 7 miles each way, with 8+ hours to rest up in between, I don't see fitness as an excuse.
Just had to share. And now to keep it up, since I am doing the MS 150 at the end of September.
I drove to the levee since I didn't want to face any climbs today, and decided I might be able to do the whole levee and back (about 8 miles) which does include a couple of small climbs to get across the river.
When I got to the end of the levee, I felt prety good, so I kept riding on the city streets in Wilkes-Barre and then after a few blocks I heard a ticking sound that I was afraid was a spoke issue with my front wheel. When I stopped, it ended up being just a clump of gooey asphalt that I picked up somehow and after I cleared enough to continue the ride, I rode over to the LBS to say hi, and meet the new mechanic.
So, I did, and then started my ride back. After I hit the levee, and crossed the river, I started the descent and was puffing from the climb and almost inhaled a bug, but I felt good about being able to spit it out instead of inhaling, but the little thing managed to sting me on the upper lip on the way out. I wish I would have bit the little sucker now.
I finished the ride with 11.57 miles, with only two short stops (one at the LBS), so I did significantly better than I thought I would do. I thought I was optimistic when I set an obective of 6 or 7 miles.
The route is basically what I would have to cover to commute, with the exceptiuon of what I drove, which would add 2 miles each way with a couple of climbs at the end near my home... So, I think since I can ride it round trip, I may be able to talk myself into commuting. Since the commute would be about 7 miles each way, with 8+ hours to rest up in between, I don't see fitness as an excuse.
Just had to share. And now to keep it up, since I am doing the MS 150 at the end of September.