Pushing through

For the past several weeks I have really stepped up my training regimen.  I had been riding for about an hour and a half every day since early March.  However, I've let myself be persuaded to forgo the ride because of the weather, or because I was busy, or tired, or etc.  Now, I'm trying to get 2 and half hours of riding a day, and then a long ride or 2 on the weekend.

So, today I woke up to see it snowing outside.  It was so frustrating!  I had a 40 mile ride planned, with another 60 mile ride on Sunday.  It was going to be my longest two rides yet, great training!  The snow really dampened my motivation, it is so unpleasant to ride when it's cold.  The wind chill on your face, hands, feet, is really painful.

However, as the day went on, I decided to tough it out anyway.  I loaded up my bike, and set out about 2:15pm.  Later than I wanted, but still plenty of time to get back before dark.  The day was actually starting to look pretty nice, the sun was out, the wind wasn't blowing.

However, about a half hour into the ride the wind picked up, not a big deal, this is Rock Springs after all.  By the time I stopped for a snack, the wind was really blowing.  I put on my rain pants, and gloves to help keep the wind at bay.  I kept going, keeping a pretty good rate of speed.  Then I turned around, and realized that the wind was in my face now.

It's amazing how much a headwind affects my speed.  I averaged 15-17 mph on the flats, but less than 9mph on the way back.  I was completely exhausted and still had 12 miles to go.

I struggled through the next 4 miles, then encountered the snow.  Cold, wet, and blowing right into my face.  Yuck!  The ride down the hill, the last 4 miles, was the most unpleasant experience I've had training for any trip.  The only other experience that compares, was my first long ride as a Boy Scout.  We were riding 45 miles from Portland to Mt. Hood.  I struggled through the last 10 miles in the dark and heavy rain, never really knowing when I would be done.

Well, now I'll get out and ride again tomorrow.  It's experiences like these, that will help me when we're in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, the temperature's dropping, and we're only halfway to the next campground.