OK another obscure reference to a movie - this time
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre - if you haven't seen it watch it - a Bogart classic.
Thought it was time for an update on my progress since my last posting, after having miserably failed to avoid the "Winter 10" - or more like the Winter 15 in my case.
This time I can claim success. In the 30 days of April, I logged 32 rides and 624 miles - full disclosure - I did not ride on April 11th - something about a raw throat and full sinuses, but I did manage to get out every other day (and made up for the "miss" with a couple of days where I rode twice) and every day so far in May. My most adventurous ride was on April 22nd - 43+ miles, with lots of climbing. in the pouring rain with a temperature of 42°F - reminded me a lot of the climb up Rogers Pass on the ride across Canada.
My attitude that day was:
1) It's only water.
2) Cycling
is an outdoor sport, no?
3) Once you are soaked, you can't get any wetter.
I rode the Piccolo Fondo route out of Morristown, and at the half way point registered for the Miles for Matheny ride so I could get a hot lunch to refuel. I managed to get a wickedly cool registration number for the event.
|
MOOOOWAHaHaHaHa!!! |
When they handed me the Bib at the registration table I said "Wow, that is ominous!" They looked at the number and asked if I wanted to return it for another to which I replied "No this was a keeper!" Two hamburgers and a hot dog later I was back on my bike for the final 23 miles in pouring rain watching the temperature drop steadily. By far the most memorable ride of the last 5 weeks.
The stats so far are 36 rides in 34 days, 695 miles and 8 lbs lighter than on April 1st.
I am amazed at how good I feel and I am slowly working my way back to the weight I was when I finished my ride across Canada. (another 12 lbs to lose.)
I am also amazed at how the body and mind react to regular aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
I feel very confident that barring injury, I will be able to complete my 10 weeks of riding daily.
Fun rides coming up:
May 8th: Marty and I are in NYC riding a tour of the bike shops to promote Gran Fondo NJ 2012, and attend the
NYCC meeting.
May 9th: I am riding my 2nd
Commuter Challenge on May 9th - a 5 mile "Time Trial" against an electric bike, a Toyota Prius, and a Train/folding bike. I rode a preview of the route on this evening's ride and managed a 22 mph average. Should be fun to see the results next week.
May 20th: I am riding in my 5th
Montauk Century - the first big ride of the season through the mansions of eastern Long Island.
Some parting words to think about -
"My therapist is 4 years old, weighs under 20 lbs and cost less than $4,000." Get out there and enjoy your bike, however far you ride.
Serge and PA, you continue to inspire me!!!