Week In Review - "No Gloves"

This last week I started to get a little more motivated to ride. I think it was a culmination of a few different things; the weather was warmer, I am headed to Moab in a week, and I started to put together a racing schedule for the year. Training was easier, as I was able to get outside without bundling up. I put in 3 mile runs on Wednesday and Friday, rode 25 miles on Saturday, and put in some strength training throughout the week. By Sunday I was feeling that satisfying soreness that comes with a week of hard work.

The ride on Saturday was a ball buster. I was riding the single-speed and had to show some roadies how it worked. I pulled in behind a couple of guys on road bikes to draft for a while. I was feeling good, so I thought I would try to drop them, and bridge to the next guy about 1/2 a mile ahead. I put the hammer down and fell into a tough pace. The roadies put a little kick in, but I continued to pull away. It felt satisfying, but was a difficult pace. I continued to grind away until I reached freewheel bike, a good 8-10 miles of riding. It is then that I realized that I was clenching my teeth the whole time. My jaw was sore. I decided to grab a cup of coffee and stretch. The ride home was a little more relaxed, but still a great early season workout. One thing I noticed is that I didn't have any issues with hitting the wall (glycogen stores). I seem to have retained some muscle efficiency from last season.

The Niner has a new seat, and will have a new chain and handlebar shortly. I think it will be a few more weeks before I switch over to the non-Winter bike. Can't wait!

Cold Toes

Another cold weather ride this weekend has left me yearning for Spring. I went out on Sunday and rode my 17 mile loop. Conditions we good on the outbound trail, but very icy on the loop back. The ice patches forced some sprint intervals -- slowing for each large puddle/ice patch and hammering back up to cruising speed.

I got a little frostbit on the toes during the ride. Nothing damaging, but enough to feel as they warmed at home. I made the mistake of putting cold shoes on, which had been sitting in the garage all week. My poor footsies never had a chance...

I am officially headed out west over the last week of March for some riding (Moab) and skiing (Steamboat) with Asher. We are going to have a great time. Watch for the post-trip pictures and movies. I am going to try to pick up the GoPro before we leave.