sandi_SL4-40

ROUTE: eastfork/neighborhood
TEMP: 82*F
WIND: from the S/SE TRIP: 14.25 miles
START TIME: 0812hrs
FINISH TIME: 0921hrs
TOTAL RIDE TIME: 1:09:00
AVERAGE CADENCE: 61
GOAL: rhythm, cadence, hydration
OF NOTE: today was a struggle as i had not ridden in few days. humidity also played a role in the struggle.
when i started the ride, the temp was 82 with 62% humidity index. the wind wasn't really all that strong but that quickly changed as i began my ride. i headed up the incline on the service road and did fairly well. however, the climb up the east side of the service was a real struggle. i actually kicked it down to 2 X 5 and i believe ended up kicking it a couple gears lower. i made it up that steep incline and continued up the gradual incline. i was struggling. but the rhythm/cadence kept me goin'.
toward the end of the ride, the final incline on the service road coming back to 352, was also a struggle. this time, however, i did not kick it down to front 2. i just put it down to 3 X 3 and made the climb ok. accomplishing that climb, i knew i wasn't gonna make it any farther than home. so home i did go. however, one more gradual incline stood in my way. riding 352 with all i could muster, i made it to the road turn and headed for the hospital parking lot to start the cool down.
riding the parking lot as usual, i was able to calm my breathing and actually relax as i pedalled thru.
even as i rode the neighborhood, i found it a struggle. but i continued and finished as strong as i could. this ride may have been a struggle, but it was a struggle that i was glad to accomplish. 8)