I biked 32 miles which isn't that much more than the 25 to 26 I did earlier in the week but the plan was to do 40-45. I took off and was averaging about 19-20 mph for the first 20 which included a nice sized hill then I got to the top of the hill and turned the corner towards Altura and also towards a strong wind that was non-existent for the first 15-20 miles. To make it worse I had never done this ride before and I missed my turn and ended up on a heavily traveled hwy 14 that fortunately did have a shoulder but a very bumpy surface. I managed to get through Lewiston and headed down a steep hill and then blew my tire just past the Arches (a park outside of Lewiston). I called Cherity to come pick me up because I didn't feel like doing anything but sitting and certainly not changing my inner-tube. I sat there for a couple of minutes and then started feeling better after taking off my biking shoes and replaced my tube in quick time just to break the nozzle off on my last pump... so I was glad I called Cherity.
In the meantime, I just happened to have blown my tire next to a trout stream that was extremely clear. So I watched the fish dart around and took in the sun while I waited for my chauffeur. A good ride despite my mishaps but it is evident to me that I HATE biking against the wind.
3 comments:
Aaron
Spring is the worst time for the wind, the worst. I've always thought of it as some sort of leg builder for the rest of the year. Thanks goodness for the Cheritys and Johns of the world. Otherwise we'd still be stuck on some country road somewhere.
As an aside, Carolyn and I always did the really sheltered rides during the spring. We would go out and do Stumptown hill a couple of times, instead of riding the flat open road to Belmont. If you can find something more sheltered it's usually a ton better. The bike sucks in the wind. It literally feels like going backwards doesn't it!
That's a good idea. I think that's what I'm going to do.
I think a mile biked in to the wind should count for extra miles. I'm really feeling it today. My legs aren't too bad, but my upper body is super sore. I'm not used to being in the biking position for that long.
You might actually trying taking your bike in and having it adjusted. You can really do a number on your neck and wrists if you're putting too much pressure on them. As a massage therapist I've become acutely aware of that. Just the little tilts and tweaks of your handlebars (or some gloves which I've always hated) can make a big difference.
I still haven't gone for a ride! Its ridiculous. I was going to get my bike this weekend (it's still in P-ville) but I we can't make ourselves drive that far. So here I am running and you biking. What a switch.
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