I rode 21 miles today, with our riding friends who are in from Amherst for the weekend. Despite tapas and copious amounts of sangria last night, along with an excellent play, we got out around noon. It was about 47, partly cloudy, and windy. I think we got the wind that Emily had Friday. I had several moments of my back hurting on both sides, but I kept stretching while riding and while stopped, and by the end of the ride I was OK. It seems ike we had a cross breeze almost the whole time. At one point, I got blown into the middle of the road. Thankfully, no cars around. The ride was moderately hilly, mostly rollers, a few 8-10% grades that are short, but at the beginning of the season feel like torture. By the time we got to one of my favorite roads, I felt better. There's one kind of obnoxious small hill right before we turn to get within a mile of our house. It comes after a long down hill, but near the end of a ride, it can be a bit tough. I made it up at 10-11 mph, not much lower than my normal pace. Of course, I was behind DH, so a little drafting going on.
I was dressed too warmly, but glad I went. It was my friend's first ride of the year, so her DH stayed behind with her at the end. We got home and then prepared for our early celebration of Passover (I know, the lightening is going to strike), after which we had more wine as our recovery drink and some cheese, until my son and family arrived to start the Seder.
My back is still feeling pretty good; I have stretched like crazy, used the pulsating shower head, and stretched some more. Here's hoping it's OK, as the next few days are going to be warm.