Episode four- 20.4 miles.
Dear Diary: Blustery and gray weather dictated a shorter ride today. Rode upwind (15-25 mph steady...ugh!) down to the "oasis", a stand of trees with a shady bench that is kind of a landmark on the main MUP line (see pic). The first ten minutes was just mildly uncomfortable saddlewise, followed by about 45 minutes of slow grinding, during which any saddle discomfort was washed out by the general displeasure accompanied by such a slow and tedious upwind slog. I do seem to stay on the saddle a little better since last night's 1/8 inch nudge forward.
Chatted with two middle-aged guys on road bikes at the oasis... one of whom had a very sexy S-Works Tarmac. Oh la la!
The return downwind ride was jeepers fast, with extended times above 20! Unfortunately the last ten minutes of this otherwise fun return were again marred by saddle discomfort. Definitely no sign of saddle induced ecstasy just yet. Silver lining: still no sign of hamstring cramps for fourth day in a row! Still, I am spending quite a bit of time while riding thinking about the saddle beneath me, which cannot continue indefinitely. I just noticed that I have ridden eleven days in a row now, so I think a day off Tuesday (heavy work day anyway) is called for... to rest the tenders and start with a clean mental slate. I do think I'm getting closer to having the B-17 in a good position. Making another nudge forward in the adjustment tonight. I do think the B-17 leather may be getting a little flexier. Total riding time on it: over seven hours.