Gotta Ride

Riding today really wasn't up for discussion - it wasn't a matter of I should do it because it would be good training, nor an ought to do it because I haven't had the option of riding outside for quite a while. It was a simple matter of must do it. Riding today was an absolute must - I needed to get out, I needed to get some sun and fresh air, needed to ride my bike when it wasn't clamped into a trainer. Needed sweat to evaporate naturally instead of spilling into my eyes while the fan failed to motivate it to evaporate.

It wouldn't have mattered that I had a new bike to take out on its maiden ride. Or new shoes to test out. But I did. Also new were the team bibs and team jersey.

The route is one of my favorites and I'm still trying to figure out how to hold a TT on in. I rode hard, I rode easy, I tested out the bike in a variety of ways, I chatted with this rider and that. Shook my head at Nancy...what is that tri penchant for absurdly low cadence? And 4 layers? Today?

Late in the ride, the fact that I've been on the trainer for the last month (25-30 miles typically) started to show. Ok, so I also fubared and didn't grab my bars (those of us with tree nut and peanut allergies really have to be careful about food!) so I was probably underfed a bit and I know I didn't drink as much as I should have. Flippin' stupid rookie mistakes. But no biggie, I can just dial it back and cruise the last handful of miles at a relaxed pace. All good cause I'm out riding the bike and getting adapted to it and the SRAM shifting system (love it!).

And then the strangest thing happened. I'm riding along - the rest of 'em are still in sight - and the road wraps around a farm field. In the middle of the field there's a deer. Just standing there. It was so still at first I thought it was a practice target. But no, it was a deer. And it watched me for a little bit and then decided I was a viable target so it started running at me, constantly adjusting its course as I pedaled along. I'm thinking WTF? Before it gets to the far side of the pavement, I decide it's time to dig beyond my fatigue and dig out some pace. Maybe this deer has talked to that squirrel that bounced off my front rim last year? No collision happened, happily my upping the tempo put me ahead of the deer when it crossed the road. But damn, what was up with that?

The rest of the ride was uneventful. Blake drifted back to make sure I was ok, which of course I was, but it's nice to have someone notice when you come off the back of the group.

Hats off Benny Budd (service manager) for the build on my bike and Chris Richardson for his meticulous attention to detail in tweaking fit and cleat placement. You guys at Bike Doctor Waldorf rock!