Week 10 - Monday

I was scheduled for 25 miles this evening and had originally been planning to have to ride the trainer due to the weather forecast. It had rained off and on all day, but by the time I left the office, it was beautiful outside. However, I could see the promised storm to west. There was a fairly strong wind that seemed to be coming straight out of the north, but I couldn't bear the trainer and decided I had time to get in a ride. Like Bill Murray in Caddyshack, I told myself, "I don't think the heavy stuff's gonna come down for quite a while."

I decided to take the Joplin route yet again. I've ridden this one now so many times I've decided to name my bike "Janis". So, in the future, if I write about riding Janis, don't get the wrong idea. Especially if you're Holly.

As I started north toward Chinden, it was straight into the wind. I could see some flags along the way and the wind was definitely blowing southeast. At least I'd have it working in my favor on the return trip. For most of the ride out, it was hitting me on my right side. Better than head-on!

I reached my turn around in 45 minutes and grabbed a quick drink before reversing direction. I was hoping the wind would be at my back, but mainly it was now just hitting me on my left side. Nevertheless, I made pretty good time on the way back. As I got back onto Chinden, the wind made for a couple of scary moments as it whacked me in the side. I was down in my aeros and if I leaned into it, it would suddenly let up and I'd drift left. Not good given the traffic whizzing by me at 55+. I was riding with a new helmet-mounted mirror, so at least now I could see the cars/trucks that could flatten me without having to turn my head.

As I turned south onto Ten Mile, I finally had the wind squarely with me and I could open it up. I was back home before I knew it with a total ride time of 1 hour, 28 minutes and an average pace of 17.9mph. Not too bad.

I'm glad to have a day off the bike tomorrow. All this time in the saddle is wearing holes in a place you don't want to be wearing holes. A little condition I call "taint misbehaving".