september 9, 2007

hops to hops tour today and it was fun. rode with mike and we got there early to warm up. went out for a few miles then returned ready to start. the route was very different this year due to construction. right away there was a climb that separated the group. even though this was a charity event mike and i like to work hard and see if we can finish first. but we dont bump elbows with people.

after a few miles we learned that the new route was very different and very poorly marked. got lost 3 times through the entire ride! so what began as a 40 mile ride soon became a 53 mile ride! but it was good. allowed us to push hard to try and get to the front. this year the ride featured far more hills. even though the area is hilly there didnt seem to be many rolling hills, just hills that went up and up some more. it felt good though to get on some new rodes. this is my fourth year doing the hops to hops so seeing the same route may have gotten a little old after a while.

after finishing we came in to find a great amount of food and volunteers. people pouring beer, cooking, playing music, and even massage tables!!! so i got one! something that would have cost $100 in a salon was free!! but i gave a $5 tip :)

after the ride we hung around, had a beer, ate some food, and just talked about the past year. this time last year was when mike and i met so it was nice to reflect. we still have a few more events planned this fall and then on to the winter.

for me it felt like my legs were coming slightly back. had a little more explosive power and felt better climbing. after a while though my legs started to ache. but being able to keep pushing gave me the sign that im coming out of the damage from not riding and eating too much. didnt have an odometer though which stunk. ride;

d-53*
t-2:47:00
as-19.25mph
ms-?

*numbers are based off mike.
add 5 miles for the warm up.

days total miles - 58