1st Training Day - Back in the Saddle

Today was sunny and a balmy 38 degrees with no wind. I would not let such a rare Cleveland winter day go by without a bike ride. My first of the year.

Actually, my first since 2008. Last summer I had a job away from the Cleveland area and could not bring my bike along. I obviously did not have my priorities in the right order last summer. I'm not about to get my priorities muddled up now! I pumped my deflated tires to 130 PSI, put on some gloves and a windbreaker and was ready to go.

Getting back in that saddle reminded me why I love riding my bike. I was cruising at 18 MPH. It felt smooth and effortless; like floating. That feeling did not last long. It was interrupted by a rather large hill. I have climbed this hill numerous times before and knew it well. However, this time I was not half way up it but found myself in the lowest gear trying to downshift. I got out of the saddle and used my whole body to get up that hill. I had not gone 2 miles but was now completely spent. I felt queasy and as though my feet could not complete one more cadence. Hardly a reason to turn around. I kept at it. Up hills going barely 6 MPH I was in pain and my legs could barely move the pedals. On one such hill my chain fell off and so I had to walk my bike the rest of the way to the top. But just as much as I was cursing gravity on the way up I was praising it on the way down hitting 35-40 MPH with cars behind me unwilling to pass for fear of receiving a speeding ticket.

I got myself 10 miles away when I felt the need for a drink and realized that in all my excitement before the ride I had forgotten to provide myself with a water bottle. I decided to turn around and managed to find a Walgreen's where I guzzled a Gatorade. However, the trip to the Walgreen's was an extra 2 hilly miles. Although, in my dehydrated state I have to say it was worth it.

In about 2 and a half hours (including rest) I totaled 22 miles and for the last 3 I could not feel my toes, my thighs and hamstrings were cramping up and my butt was in agony (I need new padded riding shorts). It may be hard to believe but despite these minor discomforts I was smiling. I knew I had gone as far as I could go today. My body was beginning to give me very obvious signs that I should give it some rest and rest I did.