Didn't go that far today (12.3 miles; nearly 1000 feet of climbing)...but a couple of cool things are happening...

1) I rode the area where I crashed last year. I hadn't wanted to ride that road again, but it's on lots of the main cycling routes. I did it. They've re-paved the section where I crashed. I feel much better about it. I don't know what happened, and never will. In a way that's good.

2) I am finally starting to be able to manage my heart rate better - which is *finally* leading to improvement in my climbing (and I really like seeing noticeable improvements in my cardio - being able to track is a good thing for me).

3) I'm dealing better with hot weather and humidity. I just had to stop fighting it, appreciate the shade when/where it is, and let it go. It's an odd mental thing for me.

4) I think I can get in early AM rides with my new job. That means no more missed workouts because I was too drained/brain dead/something happened/the chore list got out of control/etc. that happen when I try to work out in the evenings. It also means it will be cooler (which I will appreciate).

5) My new bike ROCKS!