For the last few weeks, I’ve been getting back in the swing of things. My traveling mechanic gigs are over for a while, and I’m finally settling back into the rhythm of the daily grind again. Family, church, work, and school, are all becoming the norm again. One thing I’ve been missing out on for the last year and a half, though, is my bike riding.
Since I started back to school last January, I’ve really neglected the time I’ve spent on my bike. I’m not saying that all that other stuff shouldn’t take a priority, but without an outlet like cycling, I’ve been frustrated, bitter, unhappy at times, and had just gotten out of shape. Something had to change.
After hanging out with performance athletes for two weeks at the Amgen Tour of California Experience with CTS and sitting in the Team Exergy car during the USPRO Championships, I kind of got the bug to get back out on the bike again. After Greenville, I kicked it into gear and… signed up for a race. Why would I do such a thing? To motivate myself to get in gear, get some miles in my legs, and actually give it a go.
I signed up for the State Road Race Championships on July 7th. It’s a course I’m familiar with, one I’ve raced before, and a course that suits me: rolling hills and power climbs. I’m not a skinny little climber… I’m a big dude that does good on flats and downhills. This course is okay for my strengths.
I’ve been putting in a lot of riding the last few weeks. I started writing courses to my Garmin Edge 500, and started uploading them to Strava, which is a very addictive training tool. It’s been fun so far. Last week, I put in close to 10 hours on the bike, which is unheard of for me over the last few years. I’ve been riding a lot, and I can feel myself getting stronger.
Meanwhile, I’m missing the 2012 SC Ride 4 Life, which started today in Seneca, SC. There’s around 60 cyclists and 25 support staff making their way across the state of South Carolina to raise money to help the Foothills Pregnancy Care Center. It’s a ride that I’ve ridden and supported over the years, and I wish those guys and gals the best of luck as they make their way to the coast. Right now, I’m going to go ahead and clear the schedule to do the ride next year… that’s a promise.
Got some other cool things in the works, which I’ll talk about later. Got a ride with a good friend early in the morning, so I’ve gotta get some rest. I don’t necessarily think that he’s gonna hammer me in the ground, but it is getting late, and I’ve been at it all day, so… goodnight.
PROBIKEWRENCH 