bruce19

Every year I set a course of about 15-18 mi. from my house that I call my TT. I try to ride it about once a week to see how I'm progressing. In reality I get to ride it about once every two weeks. This year's TT is 17.5 mi. and relatively flat for where I live. Most people would call it " a little hilly with nice flats and no 'alps.' " Last year my best ride on this course was around 16 mph and this year I had only ridden it twice until yesterday. My best, on a windless day, was 16.5 mph. I've been off on a motorcycle trip so I hadn't ridden in 10 days but decided the season is ending so I'd better get one last TT in. So off I went at full tilt on a beautiful day with some crosswind. Got to some early marker points about 30 seconds faster than I've ever done before. I was really cruising and getting ready to turn into a mile long straight that signals the fastest part of the TT. As soon as I turned onto the straight I was hit with a significant headwind. Where I usually am at 27 mph I was at 24 mph and eventually slowed to about 19 mph on a slight upgrade. From there I was battling some kind of headwind every step of the way home. Still, when I got home I had done the TT at 17 mph and that's the fastest I've ever done that ride. So...one small victory and a good way to end my TT season. Jumped on the Ducati and met some friends for beer and nachos. Just one more reason I ride. Another good day. At age 66 this is very encouraging. I'm feeling faster not older.

qcpmsame 

Good TT report, Bruce, glad the day brought you a nice personal victory.

Bill

bruce19

Thanks Bill. I always enjoy hearing about the ways people celebrate their riding. Whether it's a century, a TT or a beautiful vista ride it's what we do that makes us feel good about being alive. It helps you feel more vital and more optimistic about life. That's one of the things I love about bicycles and motorcycles.