Two Wheel Blogs

I rode today for the first time since January 1st. I've had other opportunities since then, but I've passed on them in order to do other things -- work, mostly. But today, I decided to seize the opportunity instead. I figured I owed it to myself.

When I set out, I intended to do my usual Belk Park loop. That intent lasted until I determined the direction and strength of the wind. For the record, it was coming out of the south, and it was strong enough that I did not want to ride into it any longer than I absolutely had to. With an assist from that south wind, I got to the park's north entrance in about 29 minutes. But as I turned south into the park -- and into the face of my former friend, the south wind -- I immediately decided to short the return route. I was not going to ride the Moreland stretch to the Watershed Trail.

So I retraced my out route, taking Rock Hill to Smith to Drda and finally back into town. It was the right choice for today. My feet were cold, and I was spent. It's a sad commentary on the current state of my fitness that at 15-mile ride at a 15 mph pace is enough to completely kick my a**. After lunch with my wife, I stretched out on the couch and napped for an hour, the same amount of time I'd just spent riding.

Today's ride was Step 1 on a long road back to what I'll term "an acceptable level of fitness." Work won't let me act on this commitment fully until March. Until then, I intend to do what I can, when I can, even if it's just an hour ride ... followed by an hour riding the couch.