Hooked

"facinated by or devoted to something" Merriam-Webster

If I didn't think it before, I know it to be true now. I am offically hooked on Cycling. I have had the opportunity to get out and ride each weekend of January. They have been great rides. On January the 14th I put in 20 miles with the tempature at 37 degrees. The sun was out and I was feeling really sluggish. Before I knew it, I had put on warm clothing and was on my bike. I did not give myself any time to think about it, I just got on and went.

This last weekend a group of 4 of us rode on Sat. It was about 45 degrees but it seemed cooler than the previous week because of the wind. I have spoken of the wind several times in this blog and evidently it is always going to be around :)

But last Sat was definately the windiest day. Of course the cold made it more noticeable but it was the direction that killed me. We have a very nice route laid out that covers from 20 to 30 miles depending on where you turn. Most days, you know that if you have wind at the start it will be at your back at the end. On this occasion there was wind every direction we turned. There was only one 3 mile stretch that did not have knock you down wind.

It is this day, however, that defined my love for this sport. It was hard to ride and at times painful. When your in great shape it is bad enough, but when your in semi-good shape it is tough. When it hit me that I was hooked was near the end when we stopped long enough for everyone to catch up. I got my breath back and it just felt awesome. I have not been involved with any sport that punishes you and you are so glad it did. I think my words where, "that was horrible, how awesome was that!"

No matter how cold, hot, windy, achy, etc. I have always walked away feeling I had the best time of my life. Hopefully that will never change.

Here's to another windy day! (although a calm one will be fine)

Starting The New Year Right

I started the new year off the right way with a 27 mile ride. Last Sunday the weather was unseasonably warm at 65 degrees so there was no way I could pass that up. What a great way to kick off the new year.

Unfortunately I have not ridden since the middle of October. I was able to put in 90 miles that week which was cool. I guess since I did that, my body must have thought I had a right to eat whatever I want. I proceeded into a 2 and a half month long binge of everything that is bad for you. I am certain that I have gained most of the weight I lost over the summer in that time. I know my pants are tight and they weren't in the beginging of October.

That didn't seem to matter to much on Sunday thank goodness. We had a great ride although sections of it had some of the strongest wind gusts I have experienced. Overall it felt great. There were periods of greatness followed by periods of slacking. We averaged around 16-17 mph and considering the wind and conditioning that wasn't half bad.

Naturally the dogs were out in force. One particular bear of a dog snuck up on us at an intersection and was on us before we realized it. That split the four of us into 2. I am assuming the other 2 made it out, we went on and headed towards home. That is one reason why I think you ought to plan those things at the begining so that everyone knows to go on and we will meet up later.

Their families haven't called yet so I guess they made it.

Here is to many more rides in the winter season and lots of trainer rides if the weather is too bad.