I need to rest or at least take it easy tomorrow. This morning I decided to tackle the clicking I've been feeling on the one Giordana for the last couple of rides. Have been unable to spot an obvious cause. So this morning I swapped pedels, put on a new chain, checked spoke tension by plucking, checked chainring bolts, and even checked the stem and bar clamp. The click changed frequency with gear changes and was there even when I stood. Well it is gone. The old chain measured good and I went over it link by link but didn't find a stiff link or anything else but I'm still betting it was the issue. So anyway, legs have been sore an heavy every since the hard effort Thursday getting the Cannondale into the club. I wanted to go fast today but I doubted the legs and had resigned myself to just an easy ride. But once again this bike showed why it's my favorite one. From the get go it was light, responsive and wanting to move. I hit the 15 mile mark a little faster than yesterday. But to be honest the legs were not happy. With about 10 miles left they really lost their pop and it was the bike itself that carried me. At bit of wind today too on the way back. I tell you, I love this bike. I have all those nice rides and none of them feel as perfect under me as this one. Can't say why that it but it was apparent from the beginning of the ride today.

So anyway, for the important part. I did the same 26.68 mile route in 1:21: 52 with 529 ft of climbing recorded for an average pace of 19.6 mph. HR avg with a good 148 but the speed did trail off the final 3 miles. I did have two car issues right in the final two miles. First one turned across the path right in front of me making me brake hard and then have to get back up to speed on a mild upgrade. Then about 1/2 mile later a joker turned onto the road in front of me going slow for 200 yards holding me up and then he finally hit his brakes and turned right with no signal given. Once again, killing my speed and rhythm and then making me accelerate up the grade into the wind for the final 1/4 mile.


By far my favorite bike for riding. It's magical and sexy all in one package!