This year, in the City of Trees, we managed to make friends with Father Winter, experiencing a very mild cold season. However, when opening the blinds Saturday it looked like he decided to throw a few flakes at us. Meh. Snow, and snotty wind aren't very inspiring when you're daily agenda says 40 miles or Bust on it.
Hey, I know all you die hard riders are reading this saying, "Quit whining! Suck it up!" Don't you worry, I did my ridin' on Saturday. I just did it on what I like to call The Rack. You know, in the great indoors on the trainer? I killed it and a couple of episodes of L.A. Ink, too.
I did manage to get outside on Sunday. Here are some lessons from this week.
Electrolytes are your friend(s). Water alone is not enough on long rides. You need to get some fuel in your bottle. Whether it is Gatorade, Propel, Powerade, or what have you . . . it will help your performance when you are looking down the barrel of 2 + hours of ride time. I discovered Nuun tablets, and so far, I really like them. They are reminiscent of Alka Selzer in that they come in tablets that dissolve in your water bottle. They have a little fizz—not too much—just enough to keep it interesting. They come in a variety of flavors, but aren't loaded with sugar. And they don't seem to be tummy trouble makers.
Joy riding is allowed. I accosted a couple of hills yesterday (okay, maybe survived them might be more accurate) and felt so proud of myself when I was done. I even ventured into the unknown and toured a bit on Hill Road, which had me a little nervous as there were no bike lanes where I was riding, but I survived. It's important to change up your the scenery and give your muscles a different work out once in awhile. You don't want to get bored do you? If you need help finding new routes check out Google Maps for bicycles or pick up the Boise Road Cycling Guide (or a map in your area).
There are crazy people out there who might freak you out or make you smile. I was in Garden City, headed to my Greenbelt connection, when I heard a guy bellowing in the street. He was coming toward me from the opposite direction. As I got closer I realized he was on a motorized bicycle. Who has a motorized bicycle?! I don't know what he was hollering about—he sure seemed to be enjoying his bikeped (like moped, but not). I had to chuckle—is it really too much effort to peddle your bike? And don't you need a license for that thing?
Stoked. (Why yes, it is that "90s term.") This week I get to embark on my Kristin Armstrong Cycling Academy adventure! I am totally excited/nervous. It will be three half-days of great cycling information and meeting new two-wheeling buddies. One thing I already know is that I will have the opportunity to change my first tire tube—think flat tire. (No, I haven't had to do this yet. Yes, I should know how to do this.) I'll keep you posted.
Now that we know we can survive 100 miles we get to go back down to 80 miles for this coming week. Here's to a happy, sunshine filled week. Enjoy the new DST! And have a little extra coffee for your Monday morning.
Happy peddling!
Paige
Lesley B.
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