A small group tackles the Road to Nepal

Julie and Darryl met here, and we saddled up for a big ride. Not long, particularly, but hilly. There are no flat spots on this road, at least none that measure more than a few meters in length. Julie has been down it before, and wanted this route because her schedule calls for a hilly workout. Coach, if you're reading, she got it! The road was new to Darryl. Here's Julie's and Darryl's version of the day.

The weather was perfect. Warm and sunny, but not hot. I slathered on lots of sunscreen, and didn't get burnt. We rode mostly together down to 22X, regrouped, and headed south. We were together till the bottom of the first hill, and they both gradually pulled away from me. Did I mention the IM time for Darryl is 10:46, and Julie 13:28? Zoom is how it looked from my perspective.

I actually had a really good ride. I was trying to keep the rpm up going uphill, and overall try to push as much as I could. I made it down to the south end of the road in 1:08, which includes the short stop at 22X. I think that's quickest I've ever done it. They were well on their way back, of course. I made it back to the top of the road by 2:00. That's a bit of an improvement for me.

They had turned around and headed south again, and I followed. Of course you have to realize they are kilometers in front of me by now. I just rode to the T intersection and turned around. I'm not totally sure how far they went on the second lap. We met back at 22X again, and rode back home together. For me this was a 3.25 hr ride. I reset my bike computer so I don't have any other numbers for you. My lungs have the hollow feeling, as I think of it, that tells me I've given them a good workout. My legs are tired, but not beat up.

Darryl and I went out for a run, about 20 min. My calves felt stiff and tired, and my run felt slow and clunky. Darryl would get ahead for a bit, and come back. I think that was so he wouldn't get lost. Toward the end I tried keeping up with him for a while, and quickly sent my heart rate into Z 4, and he still pulled away. Walked to cool down, and stretched. Julie had already stretched and showered, and was looking cool and relaxed when we got back.

Linda put together a great meal, yummy salad, BBQ chicken, buns, and Darryl's wife Lisa brought a fruit tray. We pigged out, and had a great time laughing and chatting. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Weekly totals
Swim 3.0 hrs
Bike 3.75 hrs
Run 1.33 hrs
Total 8.0 hr
Overall, I'm feeling pretty good. I've been sleeping well. My swim and bike have gone really well this week, and if my run is a bit clunky, I just point to the half marathon last Sunday that was very close to as good as i could have hoped for.

Oh, and if they don't blog about the ride, yank their chain! You deserve more than one viewpoint of such a great ride!