Pre-season!?!?!?
Well that silly little thing in France has started, so that means that the real cycling season (cyclocross) is almost getting close. I decided it was time to start training. I’ve had the past four weeks off the bike thanks to a strained Achilles tendon and several tournaments coaching my daughter’s fastpitch softball team. The spring and summer are our busiest times. I also had a wonderful week in Colorado thanks to my wife’s extra work and income. She promised the kids she would make up for working more hours by a special family vacation. And it was. We were in Beaver Creek which is about 10 minutes West of Vail. It was awesome. Ready to move to Colorado if only we could both find jobs that would allow it. Anyone need a Public Defender and a Social Worker? Anyway. I decided to work out a little while I was there and swim a few laps in the pool. That was much easier on my strained tendon. But I quickly found out how out of shape I was thanks to the altitude. So, one week later we are back at home and I have to hit the bike. A week ago Sunday I went for a little 2 1/2 hour ride. It killed me after 4 weeks off. But I recovered ok and Wednesday I did an hour. Then Friday I did a 45 minute spin to loosen things up. Then I was back at it on Sunday for another 2 hour ride. I was tired and sore by this time. Then while we were on our way to dinner and a fireworks show Sunday night a buddy called wanting to do a group ride on Monday. I told him I was fat and out of shape, but he said not to worry. “We won’t hammer, just have some fun.” So, out of bed Monday morning and go meet the group for an easy ride….5 minutes after the start, 25+ mph, in the drops, trying to find the back of the last wheel in the line, heartrate through the roof, blurred vision and I knew I was in trouble. Luckily, they slowed down and waited for everyone to regroup after the climbs. But still, an hour and half later I was dragging. BUT I did get some preseason drafting practice and a little pre-season suffering. So, this is the real pre-season as we prepare to suffer with the first hint of cooler weather still over 2 months away.
Can’t wait to build my real bike back up again. Can’t wait for the first bits of mud in my teeth. Can’t wait for the first flawless (or maybe not) dismount and remount. Is it cross season yet? Bring it on. All hail the Cowbell. More Cowbell. All the time.
Talk to ya’ll later.
DS