“Ride #10: I'm Aerodynamic Like a Mack Truck”

Yesterday's weather was incredibly warm for this time of year. The temperature actually approached 80° (F) even along the shoreline. Unfortunately, with the heat came some very strong wind with gusts over 30 mph.

Still, I had to ride. It was too nice to pass up, and the weathermen were warning of cold days ahead (they were right, it's only 40 today).

I completely wore myself out, I bonked. You see, I'm really pushing myself this year... most of my rides are very hilly now, and even my "flat" rides include at least one of the major hills in the area (usually Pumpkin Hill). This was my longest ride so far this year, and the big hill was right at the beginning. By the time I reached the last 7 mile stretch (all on Rt. 184) I was exhausted and riding straight into the wind.

My average speed dropped from 18.2 all the way down to 16.7 in those last seven miles. Ouch.

I'm not complaining. (No pain, no gain.)

Stats: 36.09 miles (58.10 km) in 2h 9' 40" for an average speed of 16.69 mph (26.88 kph).

I don't have a 'story' for ride 9, but I'd like to point out my max speed for that ride (it's also in the stats): 49.4 mph, my highest recorded speed.