I had planned to hit the trails Saturday morning but Friday night's
rain put an end to that plan. All was not lost....there's always the
road.
It was about 45 F and windy at 10:00 am. I was going to have to dig
through my cold weather gear for the first time sense early spring.
Among the items found was my AMB headband! Thanks John! Who says you
can't wear a Mountain bike headband on a road trip? Along with my AMB
headband I put on two light layers and a wind proof shell. If I got
hot I could always peel something off....but the Headband was stayin'
on.
It's great riding against the wind when you're not pressed for time.
Head down, in the drops, just spinning and grinning. With an
occasional look up to make sure no disasters were lurking about I was
on my way to a great 40 miler. About halfway through I take a break
at a country store out in western Howard County. Had a chat with a
good ole boy about his horses and what not. He went on about what a
great day for a ride it was and told me to watch out for "those crazy
drivers"....as he finally got in his truck with his twelve pack of Bud
Light. I love the folks out there, they really are aware of bikers
unlike most suburban, suv drivin', cell phone talkin' idiots.
The quiet of the road and the farmland scenery was mesmerizing. It
felt like I could go all day. The only noticeable annoyance was the
tips of my toes, I'd have to vigorously flex my toes to get the
numbness out caused by the cold. .... need to get some toe wind
guards.
I worked my way back to crowded suburbia (Weren't suburbs made to get
away from crowded cities?)....What next crowded farmland? I stopped
on a desolate road that leads up to a park-n-ride to take a nature
break. I get off the bike and take a couple steps into the brush,
half way through, out of nowhere I get a big @ss cramp in my left
hamstring. That made my break about as painful and hilarious as it
could get. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Took me about 5
minutes before I could get everything back in place. Another 5 to
walk out the cramp. 5 more miles and I could call it a day.
All in all it was a great 2 1/2 hours of riding. I must admit this
road trip rivaled some of my trail rides on the SS.....Just one of
those days I guess.
Peace,
Bill