For you temperate climate types who endured the worst winter in living memory, are you starting to get into a groove?

I am. I didn't keep up my fitness through the winter (who does?), so it took me much of April and May just to get the creaks out. But now I feel good. My endurance is back up to a satisfying level, I'm climbing hills like I know I should be, I've got that muted muscular soreness in the legs that says "you ride your bike a lot," and every day I wake up and think about one thing: the day's ride.

June is a great month. You get into a rhythm, and the days last forever. Last night I did two hours starting at 7:30 pm. Made it back into town when the streetlights were just starting to come on. It was awesome.

June!

I've picked up where I left off in the fall, though I ride on rollers through the winter. But I feel like my best cycling days are behind me and wonder if I'll be able to increase my FTP or post faster out/back times this year. Every year it gets tougher to improve so now my goal is to maintain.

I will be flying to Montana on Thrusday for 9 days of loaded touring in the mountains with some unpaved riding. About 60 miles/day average, with the longest day being 90. I hope I have some sort of rhythm or it's going to be a long, painful trip.