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)