This morning I went out for my first club ride of the year. I have ridden with this group many times in the past so I know teh dynamics and the drill. The group usually breaks up into a B+ group which averages about 3 to 4 MPH over the advertised speed. A B group which averages about 1 to 2 MPH over and a B- group that averages about 1 MPH below. The ride was 50 miles. The longest ride I have done since last Sept was 30 miles. Posted speed 16-17 MPH. Rolling terrain with a few steep but short climbs.

I felt pretty good, have been doing intervals a few mornings a week. In years past I will usually ride with the B group and then migrate up to the B+ group about mid summer. Before the packs started to break up I was feeling pretty good, I might be able to stay with the B+ group. Then the first hill and I knew it was not going to happen. I rode with the B group for the first 40 miles. We the hit some steep rollers and I had nothing in the tank. I was surprised. I did not bonk, I know what that feels like - I just had not ridden any distance for a long time and I dropped off the cliff at 40. I got dropped like a hot potato, the B- group must have taken a short cut because I never saw them, but I got back a little after the rest. At close to the end I did catch up to one of the other B riders who said he had bonked, we finished the last mile together.

I was surprised that my stamina had such a short distance, I was planning an 80 mile ride for Memorial day, I don't think that is a wise move now. I might be able to stretch out to a metric if I don't push too hard. I also need to start thinking about the centuries that will come in Aug & Sep.

I just can't come back after winter as quickly as I did in the past.