Ride, Ride, Ride!

Two days, Four rides. All fun! I tuned up the road bike with a new chain, brake pads, bar tape and other minor tweaks Saturday morning then took the bike out for a ride. Twenty miles later, plus a stop at the bike shop to shoot the breeze I had a good ride in. After grabbing a quick bite to eat, it was off with the mountain bike for some rather technical riding. Despite the legs feeling mighty tired, I was getting through the technical stuff rather adeptly.

Sunday morning started early, too early to be awake and be happy. I headed up to the Bethel Spring Series for a little high intensity, high speed work, and my first criterium. It was cold. As a newly licensed roadie, I took part in the mighty short cat 5 race. My legs had nothing, and I was simply there for the workout, my only hope was that I could stay with the peleton for the entire race. I managed to do so, and even found myself near the front on a regular basis. If I'd had some legs I might have even contested the uphill sprint for the finish.

I packed up, headed out, stopped for breakfast #2 and swapped bikes. Another good mountain bike ride in the afternoon. The legs are pretty tired after all those rides, but it was all a lot of fun.

Spring is springing

Winter seems to be fading away and spring not far off. The warmer weather has found me riding more and more each week. Despite being nearly destroyed on a road ride a few weeks ago, I'm beginning to feel some strength in the legs. I must say, the benefits of riding the single speed in the woods since last fall is showing. I finally pulled the scalpel off the storage stand and got it in running condition. After riding a hard tail with minimal front fork travel, the scalpel just felt squishy and I didn't feel like I knew how to ride in the woods. Following a handle bar swap and a little more air in the shocks, and I feel good on the trails. I certainly suggest some single speed trail work to boost the training.