ALMOST WIMPED OUT ....   PICKED UP NEW BIKE! TOUGH MUDDER TOMORROW!

Weather man said it was going to be raining, thunder, heavy winds and lightning today. We had some light rain in the morning, but then nothing. I almost bagged it, but then it struck me that I'm not going to have a perfect day every day on the road. With heavy head winds expected in Kansas and Missouri, I realized that I was being a total wimp. So I jumped on my bike and headed out! The heavy clouds threatened rain the entire way, but I never felt a drop. I think I would have gladly taken some rain over the 20+ miles of headwinds that I dealt with on the way to the 30+ mile marker. They were so strong that I actually had to shift down to bike down hill. This is a big bummer when you're trying to get a little momentum on the back of a climb. What kept me going was knowing that those same winds would be at my back on the way home. I hit mile 31 and ran out of bike friendly road, which was a clear signal that it was time to come home. I loaded up on the some GU (a sports gel that comes highly recommended but tastes like s--t! ... mental note, find another brand). The winds didn't let me down on my return and I got a nice push on the back 20. Despite some right knee issues and feeling a bit gassed, I was flying and loved it.

My longest ride in 23 years. 62.50 miles, in 3hrs 38 mins. Average speed 17.2 mph.

Worst Part: Head winds downhill... stink!

Best Part: Return trip tail winds.  (Unfortunately, I won't get the benefit of return tail winds on my trip because I am only going one way.)


NEW BIKE IN HAND!

I picked up my new bike from the folks at Parvilla Cycle in Edgewater... It is so light, I felt like it would break. I didn't use it today, but looking forward to trying it out next week.

(That's me with the cheesy smile... it looks like I need a little 1980's style dirty mustache to complete the look).

TOUGH MUDDER RACE TOMORROW !

Check this link out and you'll be just as pumped up as me! This is the Miami Tough Mudder held earlier this year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmV-FTlBqTs

Why Tough Mudder? I need something to really kick my a-s! ... and shock my system. If I'm going to ride 85 - 100 miles a day, then why not see how my body reacts to 62 miles on a bike, and then next day, an insane obstacle course with 12 miles of running. ... mud, flames, swimming in ice water and don't forget electrically charged gauntlets! (yes, the little white wires have a serious electric charge that shock if you touch them, and of course there are way too many too avoid).

Our group is being lead by a Navy Seal Commander ... I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing. I have been given assurances that he does not expect us to win! Wish me luck!

Stay tuned ...