First real ride in a while
I haven't done a longer/more difficult ride in a while. Recently, I've done short and/or slow rides, and they've been sporadic. Last week was a 10 mile race ride but it didn't feel long enough to settle in.
So, today my husband and I went for a local ride. We live in a hilly area and I was immediately up in my HR in the 180s. Didn't help that my husband took off like a bat at mile 2 or 3 for his "warm up" - we exchanged some good natured discussion of what a warm up is. He hadn't ridden for even longer so I imagine it was part out of joy to be on the bike. But I did recover and we settled down to a more maintainable pace.
Weather was perfect - sunny, dry, upper 70s, and the trees are already turning here since it's been a dry late summer. It was beautiful out, but I didn't feel like stopping for photos anywhere, I just wanted to ride.
Eventually I settled in after our first bigger uphills, and we toured some of our usual areas around Hollis NH. Noticed some people swimming at the state park which is closed, and I've been wondering if I could swim there myself before it gets too cold again. I don't know. It is only 7 miles from the house by the way we went so next summer I could easily ride up there.
Saw several other road riders out but fewer than I would have expected, on such a beautiful day. Maybe they all went to do the Seacoast Century.
We rode back down from Amherst and my husband decided he was done but I wanted to keep going. So, I dropped him off at the house and did another 12 or so miles for a total of 37. I enjoyed both riding with him and riding a bit on my own.
More days with this weather would be fine by me!
What was that supposed to mean?
Rode 42 miles today, in Malibu, north on the PCH - including my first climb up Encinal Canyon. It is not *supposed* to be one of the harder climbs in the LA area, but it *is* almost 6 miles up and a 1,678 foot elevation gain. That, along with the considerable "rollers" and formidable head wind on the PCH had me pooped. I was already not at my best today - started late, didn't eat enough, and just never could get it together to feel great on the bike... although the weather today was gorgeous.
So there I was, chugging up Encinal Canyon, trying to just keep going - and insult is added to injury when I AM PASSED BY A DUDE ON A RECUMBENT. Now that's already not fun... and THEN, right as I'm trying to huff out the words "nice job" as he passes - he has the gall to say to me, "This is the first time I've ever passed an upright on this hill. Shame on you." And he pedaled on his merry way. :mad:
I spent the rest of the grueling pedal uphill contemplating his meaning. Was he just giving me good-natured ribbing? Was he trying to motivate me to pick up the pace? Was he just a royal A-HOLE?
Whatever the answer - his comment did not help. I wish I could say the anger fueled me up the hill, but instead it seemed to make it harder. I have only been riding on my road bike for a short couple of months - and I have to remind myself that I AM doing well. I know we all have off days... but I've only met encouragement and positive thinking from other bikers - until this guy today.
Okay - sorry for the whoa-as-me story. I did make it in the end. The screaming downhill on Mulholland made up for the pain up into the canyon:) My legs are wobbly tonight, but I feel accomplished.
Next week will be better!
