2310.3; 52.2. Yeah, longest ride so far, but only by about half a mile. Really tried to keep the energy up, via 8-mile rests and small snacks. STILL got sluggish around 35 miles, but did manage to continue for (evidently) 17 more, stopping more often, but pressing onward. Man that WIND! It seemed particularly bad on the last stretch, the westbound Rodota trail. Stopped in at the shop to make appt for tune-up and ask about tire life. He says (a) if you're not getting regular flats, you probably have some mileage to go (b) the "tread" (really just angled grooves in the basically smooth tire) still has some depth, and you could probably keep going even when it doesn't (unlike a car), (c) If the tire spilts, you can use a dollar bill (?) for a temporary repair, or electrical tape you have ready by winding it e.g. around the seatpost.
Is a century doable? Jeeze, that's a tough call. It's basically two of this, but the second one a LOT harder, I'd imagine. I'm looking at Cloverdale as a probably round-trip destination for it. Lunch in Cloverdale, definitely. With an early start, on a good day, I think I could make it. Need to map out 60, 75, 80, 90-mile rides first, maybe, but I might also just get on the bike one day and go for it...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Some Miles Are Tougher Than Others
2258.1; 20.9
I snuck in five miles on Saturday with John, going up to Andy's produce for a veggie drink and some fruit to bring home.
Today, I just never got comfortable; never got in any kind of groove like I usually do. It seemed like every inch was Work--even the downhills were uncomfortable.
I will attribute it to my "weekend condition," nyuk nyuk, having not ridden (seriously) since Friday.
Further, I started hittin a sugar low at about 10 miles and had to stop and eat (new macadamia/almond/cranberry/cherry/ginger mix is quite good--so probably bad for me). A mile later, still didn't feel right, so consumed this "hammer" gel I've kept in the pack for times like this. One or the other kicked in and I felt okay by the time I got home.
Nonetheless, I did the Blank Road hill, the quite steep Orchard Station Rd. hill, and the short but tough Hessell grind, all without stopping.
Got a chin-up bar today; It may not work in this house, with tops of doorways only about 6" from the ceilings. If not, I'll make a place in the garage for it. Need to diversify my exercise portfolio AND have something to do when it rains or is too hot or windy or whatever for biking.
I snuck in five miles on Saturday with John, going up to Andy's produce for a veggie drink and some fruit to bring home.
Today, I just never got comfortable; never got in any kind of groove like I usually do. It seemed like every inch was Work--even the downhills were uncomfortable.
I will attribute it to my "weekend condition," nyuk nyuk, having not ridden (seriously) since Friday.
Further, I started hittin a sugar low at about 10 miles and had to stop and eat (new macadamia/almond/cranberry/cherry/ginger mix is quite good--so probably bad for me). A mile later, still didn't feel right, so consumed this "hammer" gel I've kept in the pack for times like this. One or the other kicked in and I felt okay by the time I got home.
Nonetheless, I did the Blank Road hill, the quite steep Orchard Station Rd. hill, and the short but tough Hessell grind, all without stopping.
Got a chin-up bar today; It may not work in this house, with tops of doorways only about 6" from the ceilings. If not, I'll make a place in the garage for it. Need to diversify my exercise portfolio AND have something to do when it rains or is too hot or windy or whatever for biking.
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