Yay! My turn to celebrate! I finally did a real ride yestereday!! It was 8 degrees (that's 46 degrees F) and WINDY, but I persevered....and got very cold....
Total distance 47.65km (29.6 miles), total time 2:22:15, max speed 52 kph (32mph), average 19.5 kph (12.1mph)

My friend took me on a road that has very nice pavement for here, the traffic was very light since the logging trucks are on breakup and it's a very winding and hilly road (no mount diablo, I'm sure, but I sure felt it!)

My focus was on spin - I did several stints over 100 rpm, was able to maintain low to mid 90's on the flats and light rollers, but hill climbs were at best in the 80's, and the long steep ones got down to the 60's. I know what I need to work on!!

by the last 3km cheese hill (1.8 mile) with a 6 degree grade (OMG it feels so much steeper!) My "area 51" was on fire, but my feet and hands were frozen. Good way to learn my limits!! I can't wait for my new saddle and bars!!

I was so COLD after the ride, I ended up having to have a nice long bath. Partway through the bath, the tired hit me and I was rather a zombie for a couple of hours. Luckily, I got my second wind back and got dressed nice, and DH said WOW and had to take me out for dinner! We both had a nice healthy salad. And no alcohol.

Today, so far, I feel hungover. not extremely, but it's still kind of annoying....heh. I suppose that perhaps I did not hydrate on the ride enough. I had 2 bottles with gatorade, but only drank one...and I didn't make my recovery drink after (I found a nice recipe in a fitness magazine and I make it with soy protein because of lactose in tolerance...it's very yummy), as I couldn't stand the thought of drinking something cold (it has frozen strawberries in it!)....

ah, well, live and learn!! This Wednesday will be the first group mtb ride. There's a chance a few other girls will show up, although it's often that I'm the only one in a group of 20-30 guys. It's alright, though, I'm not at the back of the pack anymore! The forecast isn't showing rain anymore, YAY, and with the wind we've had all week, the singletrack should all be dry. wahoooooooooo

yup, love the time change!!!

happy riding everyone

Namaste,
~T~