19 September 2011 Ride: The Calm After the Storm

We had quite a storm last night with winds that certainly seemed to reach gale force.  I was in the middle of making dinner and decided to get the candles out before the electricity went out. Sure enough, a few minutes later we were in the dark.  A perfect night for dinner by candlelight in the sunroom.

Of course, the wind was blowing the rain horizontally and made for some tense moments at times eating in a room filled with windows.  Fortunately, the sunroom was on the lee side of the house, otherwise I think we would have been worried that a branch would have blown through.  This wasn't so far-fetched as there were branches down everywhere. 


An hour later...

A beautiful day this morning.  Riding at the break of dawn would certainly have been in order except I was cooking at Community Meals today.  Throw in a few errands before and after and keeping up a fast pace cooking at CM to make sure lunch was prepared on schedule, that by the time I got home 6 hours later I was exhausted.  Staying home and just resting felt very appealing.  I knew, though, that as tired as I was, once I was out on the bike I would perk up.

In anticipation of the ride to Shreveport, I loaded up the bike with the rear panniers and a handlebar bag.  Not a lot of weight but enough to make a difference and remind myself of the balance issues when carrying baggage.  Having the bags on made the common ride in the area feel as if I was already beginning a long journey and the sky and pastures off to the side seemed to speak in a different voice to me.

It took several miles before I felt some energy kick in.  The wind didn't help as it was gusting up to 17mph and the panniers are very good as acting as wind catchers.

Something happens while riding were the body eventually tricks oneself into thinking it's not tired.  By the 18th mile, I felt as if my full energy was back and I could easily go 30 miles.  But, now once back, I certainly feel tired again.

Today's Ride:  2hrs 12mins.  24.07 miles.  77 degrees  Miles YTD:  6,533.75

A BIG THANKS to Colene and Tom for their SECOND one time donation to Biking for Food.  They mentioned to me before the 24 hour ride that if I completed it they would send in another donation. And they were true to their word.  Thanks!

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