Two Wheel Blogs

It became apparent to me this morning how non-trivial some of my decisions SHOULD have been recently.

A week ago, Mark invited me to ST. Louis for a visit and the opportunity to race the Mercks class in the Big Ring TT. Without much (or any) thought, I snapped up the invitation, went, and had a ball.

I thought that was the end of the story, but this morning as I screamed and flailed out of bed onto the floor as if a snake were under the covers with me, I learned just how non-trivial that decision (to race) should have been!

I had been training for such an event much earlier this year, but in recent months I have been riding with a much more fartlek style ( look it up, it is not a joke) and in a more upright position befitting of a road race or crit. Hopping on and going like hell for nearly a half an hour interval in the drops with my chin nearly touching the stem was obviously something my hamstrings were not ready for.

If there is a lesson here for anyone to learn from, I guess it is to say that even when you think you are pretty smart (for hydrating very well, warming up well, running a good race, cooling down well, and even remembering to bring some Recoverite for post race), you are never too old to learn...or realize that you are not young enough to just show up at the races on a whim.

I am not old, but I clearly understand that this idea of living like I did only a few years ago has got to change. I used to enjoy the looks of horror I got from fellow riders on fast centuries when I would run into the C-store and get a Dr. Pepper for my jersey pocket, a box of fried chicken and a slice of congealed heat-lamp pizza to eat as we rolled out. Invariably someone would ask me about this behavior as we rolled away and I stuffed my face and flicked bones into the ditch. This question would strike up a conversation about preparation that lead to me admitting how ill-prepared I was for the ride yet I would gut through it on youth, stupidity, and will-power.

I am not old...but I am *older*...unfortunately I do not yet seem to be much wiser.

Have a GREAT weekend, a great Independence Day, enjoy the Tour (if you choose to watch), and get out and ride!