“Ride #23: A Half Century of Pain and Suffering”

Ow, ow, ow. My legs are sore today.

Rick (Mystic Cycle) asked me to come out for the Tuesday-night hilly half century this week. I told him I wasn't ready, that I needed a couple more weeks. I went anyway, but solo.

I guess I was ready, I did most of the ride, but like the last two years it really hurts the first time (afterwards).

Mom took me to lunch (Chinese) which probably wasn't a good idea. For the last fifteen miles of the ride, I was starving and totally lethargic. Bonk! Should have carried some Fig Newtons with me.

I'll go with Rick and the gang next week. I need to really push myself... my first full century of the season is less than three weeks away!

This time last year, I'd only ridden eight times, and was about ten pounds heavier. My rides were up to 30 miles, which is pretty good, but I'm way ahead of the game this year. Still... two and a half weeks to the first cenutry. Scary.

Stats: 45.85 miles (73.81 km) in 2h 49' 41" for an average speed of 16.21 mph (26.10 kph).