Saturday, 12/30 ride

[aicabsolut]

I had just come down with a headcold, but I joined up with a local group (most of them waay older than me ) for a 37 mile ride in Effingham Co., GA. Low 70s . I stayed with the B group, and we bumped our average pace up into the 18mph range or so, even though the usual B class is supposed to be 14-17. My HR was sky high because of the cold (just getting dressed that morning and strapping on the monitor put me over 100bpm).

Once during a hard pull it said I was at my max HR for my age . I felt like I had just crossed AT and then swung back. Turns out only the ride leader was behind me! So I didn't get much of a rest. I had been trying so hard to keep up the pace the guy had who pulled in front of me, not knowing he seems to like to break away up the one "hill" and then hang back. The ride leader was on my wheel so I had no idea we were losing everyone else, including the guy who set that pace (20-22 in a headwind). So the rest blamed me for the workout! But we regrouped, and on my next pull they all said I did a good job (18-19mph, better wind, some slight downhills).

I got some great paceline and group etiquette experience, and earned myself some invites on more rides with them and with other stuff some of them do. I also did some cadence drills and one-leg drills. Lots of good practice.

I was supposed to go out for another 38 mile ride today (31st), but the cold was much much worse this morning--up at 5:45 feeling like death. .... I didn't mention that I went and rode 2 horses after the bike ride did I? Yeah, probably not smart. But fun

Tomorrow there's a social ride around downtown Savannah near my house, so I might go hang out and spin a little. No more group opportunities while I'm still down here...stupid school starting next Monday .

My new bike fit plus a massage last week left me feeling great. If only I could breathe through my nose.

Maybe next year I can keep up with those A riders.

[momof4greatkids]

Saturday I rode w/my club, 40+ miles. It was in the low 30's at the start, we stopped for a late breakfast and the weather was in the 40's and sunny on the way back. Very lovely, despite a general feeling that the holiday goodies were weighing me down

It was my first club ride going clipless and I managed to stay upright the whole time! How about that? I did have a fall on my own last week though, just a skinned knee, nothing too serious.

Colleen