How much is enough?
My mind said no, but my heart said yes, so I did it…..
This has been a pretty high mileage week, and by my count, it’s been 12 days since I took a day off the bike, so I was really torn about riding 29 miles before work this morning. I stood by the bed contemplating whether to go for a ride or hang tight and just ride to work today. Hmmm…38 miles for the day versus 18? In the end, I decided that I was up anyway and that it was another gorgeous morning out there (I know, it sounds like a broken record…) so I might as well just do it.
I don’t regret the decision, but I might pay for it tomorrow if we get to ride the tandem. My legs were definitely heavy and I didn’t put up a very good average speed. I did, however, ride the loop I’ve been doing on Friday mornings where I go out through Turners, pass the high school, and come back in over Kinser Bridge. I think the hills are a little more intense and sustained on that route, so it’s normally a little slower, but today I just didn’t have any climbing legs at all.
The sun is about to come up...view from Sunshine looking east.
In spite of that, it was a beautiful morning to ride. The sunrise wasn’t particularly spectacular because there weren’t any clouds at all in the sky. The temps were down in the low 60′s again. When we get back to seasonal weather, it’s probably going to seem pretty oppressive after all the nice days in a row we’ve had. If anything, it seemed like a quiet morning out there. No traffic, and the only person I remember seeing was one older lady walking a dog in her housecoat and another lady running just as I turned back into the subdivision. Oh…one other – a very happy gentleman walking down the country road with dumbells in his hands. He gave me the biggest grin I’ve seen in a while. How could I forget him?
It’s mornings like this that make cycling fun for me. Lots of peace and quiet and no huge need to rush. I was quite content pedaling along at a reasonable pace just enjoying being outdoors with the wind in my face. There’s nothing like it!
After stopping at the house for my bag and a change of glasses, I headed on to work. As I rode into town, I saw one other commuter cutting through a parking lot on a mountain bike and wondered what commuting was like for him. Was he an experienced veteran, or was this his first week or even his first day? For me, commuting by bike is old hat, and not a big deal, but I remember how daunting it was those first few times I was preparing to ride my bike to work.
You never know what you're going to see on the way to work! I assume this guy is getting ready for the fair....
By the time I get home tonight, it looks like I’ll have over 220 miles under my butt this week.
God bless…
TW
Tags: bicycle, Bike Commute, Cycling, Fitness, sunrise
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July 25, 2009 at 6:15 am
If you keep it up you’re going to inspire me to become a commuter.