I had one of those rides on Sunday that start off as a short spin around a favorite "block" (a 17 mile block with some nice climbs, but a standard ride), but morph into oh of those "Oh YEAH! THAT'S why I ride!" rides.

My ride took me behind Cupertino into the foothills and over a couple of shorter but fairly steep climbs. The one climb is a steep grade for about a 1/4 of a mile, then uphill for another mile. I got to the top of that hill, looked around and realized that I had enjoyed the climb and wanted to do more. So when I came to the road that goes up the mountain or back into town, I went up for another 2 miles. I didn't go to the top because of time constraints, but I've noticed that I was climbing faster with less effort than I did the last time I climbed this mountain. I have been working on cadence and spin, and I am finally being converted from a big gear grinder (I have strong legs, so I tend to power my way through things) to a lower gear, higher cadence spinner and it makes such a difference with speed and just sheer endurance!! Then of course, I had a 3 mile down hill where I hit 40 mph - I felt as if I were flying. I can't remember enjoying a ride more. Runners talk about a runner's high - I think I had a cyclist's high! I want to get out there and do it again today but alas, I have to work