As I've worked on learning to play the trumpet, I have found that rather than learning on a continuous curve, where improvement is gradual and steady, I tend to have a series of plateaus and breakthroughs. Sometimes on the bike, it seems the same way. When I first started doing group rides a couple of years ago, my goals were to not do anything stupid and to see how long I could stay with the group. Not very long, I discovered.Last year, I found I was more comfortable riding in a group, and could stay with the group for about half of the ride, or until they got frisky and started racing. My endurance was definitely better, but I still got dropped regularly.
Last night when riding out west of Pioneers Park, for the first time I felt like I could attack the hills with the others and even participate in the sprint into Emerald. What a blast! Of course, Adrian still rode away from me as we came back to Pioneers Park, but I'm working hard to forget that part. As far as I'm concerned, the real ride was over once we turned back from Emerald.
In other matters, according to the forecast, Saturday is supposed to have a 10-15 mph wind out of the SE. I was thinking of taking highway 2 to Bennett, then ride the rollers back to 77, then go south to Cortland on 77 (maybe a rest stop at the bar and grill there), with the Hallam loup a possibility if conditions and legs are good. The route is about 60 miles. Anyone interested?
12 comments:
Sounds like you're ready for TDN.
You guys are way past me. I turned back about 10 miles out. Last night only reinforced I need to stick with commuting to get my bike fix.
WOOT! Hill Attacks, BOB!!!! If baby isn't here by then, for sure.
Kew - sorry, we missed having you out there - it will come back fast if you start coming out on rides again - you will revert to your racer-boy status in no time. Right now I feel the need to go hard when I feel I have the legs - but this summer we need to do some rides that are more focused on the post-ride festivities.
Adrian - keep me posted. I'll plan on leaving from the bench at 9.
No worries, Bob. I knew I wouldn't hang with you big boys.
Honestly, I don't have the desire to work at it this year. I've got enough on my plate.
I'll get in a leisurely ride in here and there. But other than that, I'll just have fun riding the trails.
I'm going to have to start meeting up with you guys now. I need to get hill sprints done, and doing it with others makes it more enjoyable than doing it solo.
Loupy, I'd be happy to watch you and Adrian do hill sprints while I toodle along.
I'll toodle with you, BobK. We can eat snacks and chat while they're busy. :)
So, who all is coming tomorrow? I'll wait for you at the bench at 9.
:( I will not be out of bed by then, sorry. :(
I'll be there, Bob.
Bob, no ride for me today. :-)
Yeah, I heard Adrian. Hope everything is going (or went) well.
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