20 miles on the road... clipped in!

Earlier this week I decided it was time to stop being afraid of the road bike and of clipping in, so as I posted prior I did get the bike out and ride around near my house some. So I decided Sunday would be a good day to take the bike down to Nace/Lithia and ride. This road is typically peaceful and fairly flat, although I now remember that the drag back to Nace is uphill.

Got things done at home, loaded up the bike and stuff and drove 20 minutes to ride. Now last year I would have never hauled my road bike to ride near home, but as you know my life is completely different now. Once I get my endurance up more and my balance improves, I'll likely just start riding from home again. For now, I will commute to do some rides in lighter traffic.

I parked at the base of Salt Pond Road, which I've ridden a bunch on my mountain bike. It's a dirt/gravel road that basically scales a hillside to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a scream to ride down. (It will be on my dirt agenda eventually). Houston Mines Rd is home to some beautiful homes. Not all are huge, but most are very nicely done. Nace and Lithia Roads meander along and cross the train tracks several times. There is also a nearby creek that keeps you company for the duration. The creek is known to flood the road in several places and from the looks of it was out of its banks Friday. The resultant gravel and debris on the road in places made for some spiked heart rates and moments of hesitation.

None of the hills on this road are very long, nor very steep; but they were challenging for me. I felt like I zipped along pretty good as I headed in the Buchanan direction. The trees and grass have turned green, the white clouds were beautiful against the blue skies. I enjoyed looking at the cows and horses as they grazed in their fields. There was one area where there's a field of small, wildflowers. I should have stopped for a photo, but you'll have to trust me that the orangish-yellow patch really stood out against the surrounding green fields.

As I got closer to my turnaround spot I passed two fellows on touring bikes then later two women going the opposite direction. I would also see at least three more folks riding their bikes today and two people running. I guess we all decided this would be a safe spot to be. The Touring riders were probably enjoying US Bicycle Route 76 as these roads are a part of it. That's another thing from my bucket list.

I stopped at my turnaround point to drink some water then headed back. The wind was a bit tricky today and I'm still a tad wobbly on this bike for some reason. I guess once I ride this bike more I'll get used to it and stop the silliness. Sometimes the more you think about it the worse you do; but today I was just hyper-vigilant and trying to be extra careful. No need to biff it the first ride back. I hope I never have another accident, but you just never know what can happen.

Anyway, it was nice to be out riding again. Previously, I'd go and ride 2-3 hours on Sundays maybe more; but traditionally it's always been a day I could plan on riding. Now if the stinking weather would cooperate, I can work on getting back to that habit. Today was windy and cold at times, I was riding in a Craft, winter baselayer, my 2017 Storming of Thunder Ridge jersey, shorts and knee warmers (which I hate because they always fall down). I did wear my fall/spring gloves and they were perfect for the day. Not too hot and my hands didn't get cold. I wasn't happy with the helmet I was wearing today - it's always felt a tad too small. Today I elected to wear a cycling cap under it, which when I started out felt ok almost comfortable, but by the time I was done, my forehead was getting sore and the helmet felt like it wasn't where it needed to be. I have two other new helmets and will probably try one of those next weekend. Must be comfortable in my helmet!!!

As far as timing goes - I shouldn't care about it given all I've been through, but comparing to what I formerly was able to do is a bad habit - 20 miles... I had that down to about 1hr 20min and was keeping a 16mph average. Today 1hr 36min and almost 13mph. I have work to do, but hey "50% at 1 year"... Ok Jesse, I believe you. I did say to myself on the way "out" on my ride, "why are you trying so damned hard?" I need to stop being so hard on myself, I've made it this far and it's not even a year yet.

😌😌😌😌

Here are some pictures from the day: