Two Wheel Blogs

Okay, technically this should be Step 3.

Last Sunday, I went for a ride, but it wasn't much of one, so I didn't post anything about it. It was cold, but I didn't want to let that stopped. I geared up and headed out hoping to ride for two hours. I fought the north wind early, then made a right turn and let it push me south for a good long stretch. Though cold, the sun was shining, and this part of the ride was almost comfortable. It was also short-lived. All too soon I had to turn back into the wind and, once I did, I decided to take the shortest route home. I was cold -- and exhausted. I covered about 19 miles in 1:20, a modest 14.5 pace. But I got out and did it.

Today was much the same, except the wind was out of the south. When I set out, it felt warm (upper 30s) and the sun would shine through periodically. As I rode, however, the clouds moved in or, at least, grew thicker, crowding out the sunlight. I don't know if it actually got colder, but it seemed like it did. Again, I hoped to ride for two hours, and when I set out, I started to do the Marine Loop. But the wind that pushed me north on the way out would be the same one I'd eat on the way back. This persuaded me to abandon the Marine Loop. So I just rode over to Troy, then double-backed over the one hilly stretch of the route.

Trying to climb was brutal. For one thing, I am painfully out of shape. The little hills I'd roll up last summer now felt like Tour de France stuff. (I exaggerate, but you get the idea.) For another, my bike is in desperate need of some TLC. I can't remember the last time I cleaned and lubed the chain -- and it performs like it. The chain will change gears on its own -- and always to an easier one, as if it's saying "You wimp! You're out of shape! You need to be in an easier gear!" I'd be more upset, but it's right.

I ended up covering about 26 miles in 1:45, again a 14.5 pace. I would have liked to have made it the full two hours, but my toes were cold. Maybe next time.