RtN The slowest ever.

I don't know where to start. Today was the first day this year going down the Road to Nepal and back. It was windy and cold. I wore tights over my shorts, long sleeve tech shirt with arm warmers under it, and a vest over it. Full finger gloves. I was hot for a while in the sun and out of the wind, but most of the ride was cold. I think it was 12 C (54 F) when I started, and about 8 C (46 F) when I finished. And windy, lets not forget the wind. On the way back I saw a guy heading out wearing shorts and a short sleeved top. He's either an idiot or part polar bear.

Tried to keep the cadence up during the ride down to 22X and get warm. I knew I was in for a tough ride when the wind was pushing me around on the first hill south of 22X. Normally I hit 65 or 70 Kph there, and barely made 40 today. Going up the first hill told me the ride was going to be even tougher. For a while I was wondering if I'd bitten off more than I could chew. My left calf was cramping on the way up the hill, but I made it to the top and managed to stretch it out and it was ok after.

I had lots of time to think during the ride. I thought of bailing a bunch of times. There was no speed or strength in my legs at all. Most of the ride was in the small chainring. Lots of the downhills I didn't even bother shifting into the big ring, since I'd be out of it again so soon. It's very disheartening to have to pedal downhill to maintain speed. I coasted a bunch. It felt like I was pulling a parachute the entire ride. I'm not even sure which way the wind was actually blowing, all I know is that it was in my face the entire ride.

How slow was it? 2:45. For 51 K (31.7 miles). Geez. I can barely bring myself to write that down. That's slower than the very first time I ever did it, wondering if I was going to live through the experience. It's a good thing I didn't have any firm time goals for this ride. I sort of thought maybe 2:15 to 2:20 but knew RtN has a way of brutalizing time goals.

I'm pleased it's done. It can only get better, right? Physically it wasn't so tough, but mentally it was probably the second toughest ride I've ever done. I didn't even consider pushing harder to avoid having it be the slowest ride. I just wanted to get it over with. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of asking Linda to come and get me, and have her driving down wondering what I'd done to myself. Oh, and having to explain here that I bailed on yet another bike ride.

Julie, did you see the buffalo calves during any of your rides? They were in the paddock right by the road, and they're soooo cute! Mama isn't cute though, and gave me the eye. I was maybe 50 feet from them, and I'm not kidding when I say I felt the menace.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to try to sleep in a bit tomorrow, and move the swim to Sat. I didn't even consider even trying the core tonight. Usually, even if I suspect it might not be good I have a fair go anyway and see how it turns out. Tonight my body said no way. I admit the possibility I could get a great night's sleep and be ready and raring for the pool in the morning, but I wouldn't bet on it.