Measuring Progress
Really long miles have been sparce this year. My go-to has always been Monte Cristo, if not all the way to Woodruff. At the top of Monte, I have to commit to the extra 20 miles down to Woodruff and the inevitable climb back. It is a decision that has serious consequences. Last year I went into Woodruff something like ten times. Twice where near disasters. The very first time was very hot and windy. I got caught halfway back down South Fork Canyon and bonked - HARD! With no cell service for a couple more miles, that was a serious dilema. One other time, I got caught in a horrendous thunderstorm and had nowhere to go. Another serious - way serious situation. Today was my first time past Causey, going up SR39. Altitude becomes a factor before you know it. All the way past Causey was windy - as in head-wind. Usually this isn't the case. This morning was overcast and threatening from the get go, with wind in my face along way up. I could occasionally feel rain blowing in from two time-zones away, but was still determined to get over the top. About ten miles from the top, I was starting to feel serious fatigue. Given predictable conditions, I'd still push into Woodruff. Today was too sketchy. Windy all the way back into Huntsville, but not hot. I stacked a few miles on for good measure, but was gassed by the time I headed for home. I fought a head wind for the last nine miles. Needless to say, I was spent when I got home. Enough for one day.
I've had problems with the bike this year. A broken saddle-rail and post have made things a bummer. I rode this morning with a setback post and Selle Itallia saddle. I also changed from the normal hard cleats to a 6 degree float cleat. That's a lot of changes for a full day long ride - or six hours, whatever it was. I also swapped out the wheel-set for the DT Swiss, with the R3 tires. A good move for the wind. I'll need to get the bike back to my normal spec before I head over the top. I'd like to do that sooner rather than later.
Fundraising is another issue. The "team" is getting a little traction, which is encouraging, but I need to get personal donations lined up as well. More on that later..............
I did get signed-up for the Cache Valley Century, a couple weeks out. I have a lot to do between now and then. For that matter, I have a ton to do between now and race day.
It all seemed like a good idea at the time............
It's gonna get busy.
Click here for a little motivation - worth the 10 minutes
Ride HARD!
