I don't mind the cold, it's just that I am much more comfortable riding in the warmth. Even with all the proper gear keeping the cold out, the chill still seems to find its way in and tires me out that much more. With the thermometer showing 38 this morning, on one hand I busied myself with getting ready to get out as quickly as I could, yet, at the same time, I seemed to manage to slow my departure out the door until the temperature flashed some higher numbers.
I drove to Gordon Long Park on Gregg St. and planned to ride down Hwy 71 to west Fork, cut over on 156 to WC 28 which would lead me into Prairie Grove and wind my way to the west side of Fayetteville via Double Springs Rd and finally back to the trail via Mt. Comfort and Deane Roads.
All went according to plan and then some, yet I seemed to be in a melancholy mood, moving at a very casual pace, which I guess was okay. But, I was concerned about feeling so draggy yet another day.
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| Orphaned Possessions(?) at the back door of an apartment right off the trail between Maple and Dickson |
I was enjoying the day and the ride though a little concerned that if my energy didn't pick up a bit it would be difficult to get in the planned 60 miles.
The Rangers have already scored TWO runs?!
It was about mile 17 that I realized why I seemed to be so fatigued yet another day (besides the fact of riding everyday). The 100 miler last Saturday followed by the 45 miler on Sunday, had really taken it out of me. It usually takes me several days to recover from such an intense ride. But, of course, recovery has to be sneaked in between other intense rides, such as the 85 miler on Tuesday. Yes, I know this should be obvious, but, for some reason I just seemed to keep focusing on the fact that the muscles were not delivering. Having this realization helped and the muscles felt listened to.
What was nice about the ride today was that I found my way down some new country roads. I have passed Hwy 156 off of Hwy 170 just outside of West Fork several times, but I have yet been down it. Very quiet and pretty and enjoyable ride down to Hwy 265. On CORD 28, just outside of Hogeye, was this tub hiding in the grass.
As I approached Prairie Grove, I saw a cyclist in my rear view mirror; of course, it didn't take long for him to catch up with me. But, I had a very pleasant surprise when it turned out to be Wayne, whom I know through the Roadies. He pushed me to reach for a higher pace (though I'm sure slower than if he was riding on his own), and I was very glad to have his company for about 8 miles where he finished his ride in Farmington.
The Cardinals just tied it.
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| Cemetery in Farmington |
The wind had picked up but not too badly. The rest of the ride went well and the melancholy had dissipated with the day. I made it back in time to pick up fresh tuna for dinner to prepare before Carol and Rachel took off for the Lady Razorback soccer game.
Today's Ride: 5hrs. 24mins. 63.10 miles. 45°-58° Miles YTD: 8,077.25
Number of miles per day needed to reach 10,000 miles by the end of the year: 30.04
Donations for Biking for Food, which support the Community Meals at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, AR, can be sent to: Biking for Food, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 224 N. East Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701
Or, make a pledge per bike miles ridden at www.stpaulsfay.org/bikingforfood.html.
To see older postings, search the Archives listed on the right had panel.
To see postings before 15 August 2011, please go to www.mylifeasabike2.blogspot.com
To see postings before 11 June 2011, please go to www.mylifeasabike.blogspot.com
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