May 24th, 2008

Ooh, I think I messed my wrist up more than I thought...

My easy week turned into a full on rest week - partially wrist induced, and partially laziness induced. What can I say?

I got back out there today. We had a team ride down south, pre-riding the state road race championships course. Six miles and 700 feet of climbing - not too shabby for around here. I think I'll be doing six laps in about a month.

We started out with around 30 people, I think. There were a good chunk of Cycle-Logic guys, but also some other folks, a few Citrus Cycling, and a really strong guy from Naples Cyclery.

After taking a week off, I didn't have too high of hopes for completing the route with any sort of semblance of self dignity. I started out toward the front, rotated through, and then dropped my chain five times while switching to the big ring, and had to chase back on (really got fix that front derailleur...). After that, guys at the front decided to start upping the pace. I kept toward the back, not wanting to gap anybody off the back, and started coming around guys as they were blowing up (less than two miles into the ride -- well, that's not fair, there was like a 10 mile warmup first). Eventually, the group was whittled down quite a bit, and I was still with it. I started feeling a little more confident, and moved up quite a bit. I found Brett's wheel, of Naples Cyclery, just as he put in a bit of an acceleration at the front. I was able to hold it, but not help at all. Two guys came up and joined us, and we kept going. I think I rotated through once. The rest was up to the other three. I held on until about three-quarters through the third lap, when I completely blew up. I made it just over 16 miles (not including the warmup) with the lead group, at an average speed of 24mph - in the hills (subjective, I know).

All-in-all, I got in about 60 miles today. It felt pretty great. I'm definitely getting stronger, which is great to see and feel. It's time to ride even harder these next couple of weeks. I've got my work cut out for me!