A Recovery Ride
 

A short recovery ride. But, a recovery ride from what?! The doldrums, of course.

Main Entry: dol·drums
Pronunciation: 'dOl-dr&mz, 'däl-, 'dol-
Function: noun plural
Etymology: probably akin to Old English dol foolish
1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency
2 often capitalized : a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds
3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump

The weather was awesome and the gears, the legs, the rhythm worked flawlessly. I did cough up a lung up the first climb and it took a long while for the pipes to clear. The sun was settings as I headed westbound and I thought how perfectly invisible I was to traffic because of the glare. I turned around changing the route to a safer climb up towards OHSU. I stayed in the big ring up, up and around and kept it up on the climbs up Corbett. I still had some power in the legs, but the lungs took the most of beating during my hiatus. I would not last too long. Still, I filled my belly with air and remembered to push it all out on the exhale. Steady. Like Jamie Paolinetti in opening of "The Hard Road". That was all I could hear.

It wasn't hard by any means, but in my head it was a win. However, it wasn't about the weather or the bike or the route.

It was about riding. I needn't be fast today. Or strong. Or even having my clothes match. (But I like to match, hence the Hammer kit). I just needed to ride. And it really goes without saying, ride for those who can not ride.

http://www.cyclingrocks.com/wp-conte...9/DSC_0160.jpg

taken 09/11/2006 - Seems like weeks since I've ridden. Checking the gears. Yes, I have neglected the bar tape.

* Distance 12.03 miles
* Elevation 1,227 ft

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_28_112.gif

Thanks for sharing!

uhhh....

the above definition is usually referred to the activity of sailing, not so much cycling. But since cycling is very much wind dependent, so there is some truth to your post :rolleyes:

I love the doldrums. No headwind. :D

BZ--check the definition he quoted. It's not just for sailors anymore... :)

ah, it's been cold and raining for five days in a row here....my back has acted up for four of those days....not on a bike in a week....plus three pounds....is that dole-drum enough for ya?

Oh...and thinking of taking up needlepoint sted of cycling....

Good one.

Bigsky, I know how you feel. I have had a hard time with serious motivation lately. Saturday I had a few job sites going up at OHSU, @ 2pm I hopped on the bike while my crews were on cruise control. I ended up climbing all the hills I could for 2+ hours. 32miles and 4800+ft of climbing. Felt good.