friday

Friday was a free day. I determined early in the week I would ride four hours, because the forecast was looking promising. Plus, what better way to end a week. I headed indirectly to Buena Vista figuring it would be a kicker route, and it would better assure me of my fitness inching up to the beginning of race season.

Cycling is more of lifestyle than people realize. I’ve found it’s difficult to truly share with someone what it’s like to ride or race or what it’s like to always have a thought of when the next ride will take place. Non-cyclist don’t get it. When you tell someone you rode your bike for five hours they can’t relate, and then it just turns to an awkward conversation about the weather or the stimulus bill. I find myself choosing to skip things so I can squeeze another ride in before dark, because let’s face it you just can’t do it all.

Thursday night I decided I would make a four-hour play list for the ride, but when I got done with the list it was closer to five hours. I was glad I didn’t skim it down. I was keeping a solid average going out, but I was looking forward to stopping at the store in Buena Vista. I bought my typical, only over three-hour bike ride, Coke. I chugged it, and scurried back up the ascent out of town. My legs never felt right after that, and the highest temperature had already come and gone much to my disappointment. I made a mental note that I would try to be back at the end of 501 in an hour.

I climbed back up the mountain into Amherst County, and descended back down by the James making in back in fifty-five minutes. Moreover, River Road was the next goal, and it could not come quick enough. I was getting coffee at five with a friend, but that was looking dreadfully soon. It was motivation not to just stop and pass out in the grass for a half hour.

Alas, I finally made it back into town climbing the hill by the Tea Room with my computer telling my I was nearing five hours. Rivermont Avenue never looked so sweet. I had buzz from the ride. The kind where you know your body was not pleased with what you did to it, but with suffering comes great things.

david