Pack Fodder

Greetings Readers!

Getting ready to close out June as we headed out for a ride this morning. I was feeling a little low as my best pal insomnia dropped by last night to hang out with me till about 4am. I think I slept 2 hours. Me and Insomnia are good buddies, he stops by all the time. Matter of fact: He’s the reason I’ll never be a great cyclist, I’ve not the ability to recover from workouts. ZZZZ’s are important yo’. Anyway, it was great to see “Skeletor” feeling good and wanting to work, he took several huge pulls and towed me and “Uncle Tim” for miles on end @ over 23mph. Ken was feeling good, It was all Tim and I could do to hang on and stay on Kens wheel. I love riding like that: Speed is exhillerating. We were in a tight train and movin’, don’t take long to cover some miles when your haulin’ like that. It’s just too bad I can’t keep that pace, I can for a little while, but sooner of later the reaper comes and I gotta tone it down or crack. All-n-all is was a great ride (they all are) and It wasn’t as hot as yesterday. My knee isn’t bothering me as bad today, even after a good ride, and I’ve made my 2nd quarter goal. Life is good.

Miles ridden today, 47

Miles ridden 2008, 2136.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

Yesterday was a cheat day (day off the bike) and Mom, the Moneypit, and I parked the car and rode our bikes a whopping 4 mile round trip over to McMenamims for a burgler and a beer. Well, Mom and I had the beer. Anyway, we parked the bikes and sat outside while letting the weeks stress flow out of our bodies. Fortunately for us there was a Cold Stone Ice creamery located in the same parking lot. We walked our bikes over and had some Ice Cream. There would be no repeat of last Friday for me, 1 pint o’ porter and a chicken sandwhich was all I had, followed by some delicious ice cream.

The weather man was predicting 100 degrees today and he was right, 101 @ 5pm. Sheesh, can I get a little time to acclimate? Hell it rained thru most of Junuary. I headed out early @ 8am, thinking I’d just get my miles in and get back before it got too hot. Hell, it was already hot, I was sweating 5 mins into the ride. Lots of riders out this morning, everybody wanted to beat the heat. I rode for a few hours, then headed over to Starbucks for an Ice Venti Green Tea Lemonade. Ho’ man that was refreshing! I was home by 11am to avoid the afternoon heat. Tomorrow will be a duplicate of today, only I’ll have “Uncle Tim” and “Skeletor” with me. I’ll get my butt kicked, but that’s ok, it’s good to get your butt kicked now and then.

During the last post I mentioned I’ve been thinking of a cross SS, being that I’ve been bitten by the Single Speed bug. So I went trolling and found some cool SS crossers and feel compelled to share. There’s an Indy Fab, Speedvagen, Mike Desalvo, and a Steelman Eurocross. Can I have one?

Miles Ridden today, 37

Miles Ridden 2008, 2089.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

After getting after myself in my last post, I’m going to relish in a little achievement today. I set a goal for a 4,000 mile year last December, and I’ve met my 2nd quarter goal with time to spare. 2,000 miles at this point in June is nothing for a dedicated cyclist, but it’s a good year for me. If nothing else, I’ll have some miles in my legs come Oct. I’ll at least have a decent base. For reference, my total miles for the calendar year in 2007 was 2,428. So yeah, I’ve really invested some time and energy this year to get in shape for cross. It won’t be long, I’ll break last years mileage I’m sure by the end of July. So I’m happy with my efforts for this year to date. I can’t get complacent, I’ve got to keep the commuting going and get my rides in on the weekends. Come August, I’ll start some intensity training while adding cross drills. Baring things outside of my control, I’ll be ready for Hood River Sept 21st.

I don’t for the life of me understand how cyclists get in all the time on the bike. How did my life get so busy? I’ve got to actually think of all the things I’ve got to get done on a daily basis so they don’t snowball and all hit me on the weekend. Sheesh, it’s a wonder I’ve time to ride. I’ve practically got to write it all down by the day so I can make sure I’ve done my chores. It’s a wonder that I’ve found time to post? How do working stiffs with families compete? Tween’ the job, family commitments, and the chores, there’s little room left. Thanks to my understanding wife who knows how important cross is to me and gives me some rope to ride. Trust me, if I show for cross and bring up the back end of the field, there’s no living with me. Yes, it’s important to be out there, but I want to compete, not get pulled each race cuz I can’t make the lead lap. I need to train as much as possible and give it my all come cross season, nothing else is going to cut it. If I suck, even after putting in the time, at least I’ll know I gave it my all. I won’t have remorse, just crappy results, that I can live with. Not investing the training, and getting crappy results I can’t live with.

I had half a commute today, after flatting twice I was out of tubes, my glue in the patch kit dried up, and I was out of options. I had to call in the sag wagon. I can’t remember, if ever, calling in the sag wagon. Tis’ ok, I’ve hit my 2nd quarter goal, I can afford to lose the 10 mile ride home. I’m loving the SS, the commutes in to work are always refreshing, I like riding early. Riding home after a work day feels like work. My mind is starting to conjur up the idea of a SS Crosser………

I snagged this shot off Zank’s blog, Mike’s enthusiasm for cross is endless and he’s a good guy to boot. I guess it never hurts to be a builders wife! A matching set of crossers, one with clinchers and one with tubulars. How Hawt is that? Outstanding! I’m told I’ve too much text and not enough pics. Click on the pic to blow it up, I love the Mrs, Zank on the top tube!

Miles ridden today, 10

Miles ridden 2008, 2030.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

As predicted, I went out to CPK on Friday for cheat food and drink. I’ve discovered my new favorite pizza. The Carne Asada. Moma, thats comfort food. When can I go back for more? My Sister inlaw and I split a bottle of wine, then went home to the deck, and split another bottle of wine. Bad Jim, Bad boy. I don’t drink too much folks cuz that ain’t helping my plight for my best shape come Oct. I’ve even cut down on the suds, saving my two favorites (Stone IRS, and Deschutes Abyss) for the cyclocross stash. So this was a treat for me, Saturday morning however, I didn’t think so.

Nuthin’ like a wine hangover to start your day folks, it seemed I couldn’t drink enough water nor drink enough coffee to spell the headache that encompassed my entire dome. 5 glasses of wine had left me dazed and confused and I was sweating just fixing a flat for mom from the day before. Angry with myself, I forced my sorry keester onto the bike to pay for my indulgence, I would not let myself just lay around and nurse my hangover. Jeez, I drank a ton of water on yesterday’s ride and hopefully, I sweat out all the wine. What a miserable ride that was. You know how it is hungover, all dehydrated. It was no fun at all. We all have lapses folks, or do we? Or is it I just have lapses? Are the guys and gals killin’ it on the road circut getting drunk on Friday nights? I think not folks, which brings me to the thought of Heidi’s 126 mile post. 126 miles? Crap!  Are you kiddin’ me? My longest ride of the year is 67 miles, and most of them are under 50. I’m behind the eight ball people. Most cyclists are riding, or have ridden, a Century by this time of the year. I’ve this constant little voice in the back of my mind: “your competitors that you’ll be up against come Oct. are riding and training more than you, your not training hard enough!” It’s like what ever I do, its not enough, know what I mean? The reality is I’m riding about as much as my life will allow me. Still, I beat myself up all the time, even though I’m on track for my 2nd quarter goal. I can’t seem to let up on myself about what I’m “not” doing. I struggle to accept the positives that I “am” doing. Sheesh, I passed a guy yesterday that was on mile 82 while training for STP and here I am nursing a hangover covering 30 miles. Oh yea, that felt good, “hi how are you” as I pull up along this nice guy. “I’m on mile 82 training for STP” he says. “Oh, that’s nice, I’m nursing a hangover and riding 30″ I reply. Tell me my head wasn’t hanging low, guilt ridden for the rest of the ride.

Today’s ride was another story, I had company, and let me tell you, riding with others is always better than riding alone. I felt better today, and with comrades the pace is always higher too. We all met up and headed out to Mandys for the best coffee west of Murray Rd.

Pastries and Coffee can do wonders for your ride, and I had a spring in my stroke after gulpin’ the Jo’ and felt strong the rest of the ride. We stayed in a nice little group and traded pulls just chatting away. “The Gunnar”, “Mom”, and “Uncle Tim” joined me today and we all enjoyed a Great Sunday Ride.

I love riding with “The Gunnar” that girl has skills! I’ve a full week of commuting ahead of me and a still sore knee that won’t go away. I’m trying to stay upbeat about it, stessin’ and worryin’ about my knee ain’t going to make it any better. The last thing I need right now is a setback. That would not be good. Nope, not good at all. Hood River CCX is 3 months from today. That is the season opener for me and I love that course, of the 7 races I did last year, Hood River is my favorite. Gawd, I can’t wait for cross season! Can’t wait I tell ya!

Miles ridden today, 40

Miles ridden 2008, 1979.

Cheers!

Greetings readers!

Whoa, am I tired. My legs hurt in all sorts of places. I must be using new muscles that I haven’t before while riding the SS. That’s gotta be it. Sheesh, I’m sore! Legs feel like cast iron anvils strapped to pedals.

So I’m sitting at the usual stoplight waiting for the signal, and guess who pops up behing me? Yup, its Speedy. Now, I like Speedy but it’s like lining up with Tonkin and trying to hang. “Hi Speedy” I offer up in a kind, unchallenging tone. “Hi amigo, you want me to kick your ass today?” Speedy says. “Ah schucks Speedy, I’d love a real good ass whuppin” I reply. “Uhh, Speedy, Look I got me a Single Speed” I say in sort of a please be nice to me cuz I can’t keep up with you with a geared bike kinda way. “Ahh, good for you! SS will teach you to spin amigo” Uh, yea, I’m gathering that Speedy. The light changes, “C’mon amigo I’ll give you a pull” Speedy says as he clips in and is off. Crap Speedy, my legs are killin’ me, I don’t want to chase you today. I’m whining in my own mind while watching Speedy clear the intersection out of the saddle. Damn you Speedy! Speedy is 6′3 and a buck fifty. He’s lean, young, good looking even, and looks like he could really do some damage in cross if he wanted too. Jeez, could I be a more polar opposite? I’ve never seen Speedy outside the confines of my commute, and since I can’t stay on his wheel, I’ll never know just how fast Speedy is. But I tell ya, I’d pay good money to see Speedy and Aussie go at it in Cross.

So I make a half hearted, defeated attempt to stay with Speedy till the next light. Yea, right, who am I kidding? I’m out of the saddle hammering like a uncoordinated clutz, cuz my short little legs just don’t spin past 80, if you know what I mean. Just imagine a hamster trying to spin 120 and you get the picture. I must have been doing 22mph or so and I couldn’t go any faster with a 42/16. Speedy looks over his shoulder, with that smirk I’ve come to know so well. He’s toying with me again, I’m glad I’m so amusing. What am I? Speedy’s post work entertainment? I can’t hang with Speedy, he knows it, I know it. And I sure as hell can’t hang with Speedy on a Single Speed. That’s ok though, cuz I like Speedy. He’s a good guy really, he’s just trying to make me tougher, and faster, because I’ve told him of my cross aspirations. (BTW, cross starts 3 months from Sunday. Not that I’m counting or anything) Speedy is a good guy I’d like to do a ride with some time, (outside of commuting) but I couldn’t hang. Speedy would get bored and that would be that. Speaking of bored, Speedy now knows upon witnessing my spastic, flailing, out of the saddle attempt to stay with him that I’m in no condition to play chase today. I reach the next light, in oxygen deficit mind you, half mad at myself for giving up so easy, and half mad at myself for even bothering to try.

Speedy waves, “See you Amigo” and I wave back “See you Speedy” I can only watch him go. I’m prolly 15 years his senior, but I feel like the little kid watching the Master. Oh well, there are always people faster and slower than yourself, right? I just wish that there was a little more people slower than me, and a little less people faster than me…….

The rest of the way home went uneventful, I listened to my heavy breathing, and was forced out of the saddle way more than the last few days as my tired legs just did not want to turn over. Despite tomorrow being so nice weather wise, I’m taking a day off the bike to rest up for the upcoming weekend. CPK and red wine are on my agenda for tomorrow, my cheat day…

Miles ridden today, 21

Miles ridden 2008, 1908.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

I’ve done it, I’ve hit the big time (well not really) I have made the K-man Blogroll. THE K-Man, Mr OBRA (Thanks Kenji). Now I know how Heidi Swift felt when she got her column in the Oregonian, I have arrived. :) This is a big deal to me folks, Little Ol’ suckin’ ass in cross me. Hell, just being mentioned on the same page with all those heavy hitters somehow solidifies my place in the cycling world. I still can’t race a lick, but I love the bike. Love it I tell ya.

Keep in mind I’m the sponge for all things bike. I know who all the racers are (I’ve been watching them at the Crusades for years) who the builders are, who the bloggers are. I know of them, I don’t really know them. All people I look up too and admire. Why? Cuz they live the dream, they are real cyclists. They live the life I want to live. I want to be an Elite Racer in cross, I want to race on the track, I want to write like Heidi Swift, I want to Rando like Ira Ryan, and I want to build bikes like Sacha. I recognize all the teams and most of the racers that make them up. Heck last year at the USGP, I walked up to talk to Wendy Simms and I was like a little kid starstruck by some millionare baseball player while asking for an autograph and I’m 45 years old! Every time I’m in RCB I look at Wendy Williams and think: Damn girl, you’ve raced in world cups, I’m in awe. Hell, I’m not even on a team! I admire all of the people who subscribe too, and live the life of, two wheeled pedal pushers. I’ve no hidden agenda, no corporate aspirations, I just want to ride my damn bike and surround myself with others who do the same.

I’ll never going to be a great racer, ain’t gonna happen. So I won’t pretend to be what I’m not. You’ll get a view of what I am: workin’ stiff trying to live my own dream, commute, ride the great rides, and be my absolute best come cross season. (whatever that may be) I’ll try to give you the perspective of what it’s like from the anonomous fodder of turkey stuffing that us average guys exist in everyday. Sure, I’ve got goals. I’m not willing to just surrender to mediocrity, but I’m a realist too. I’ll be bringing it come cross season, I just hope that “it” is more than I had last year. I’m doing my best to make “it” happen.

Todays commute to work was way harder than yesterday. The excitement of the new SingleSpeed was a day older and with tired legs, I had to get out of the saddle a lot more today than yesterday. This is good me thinks, I can’t cheat. I’m pushing a bigger gear because I have to, I can’t shift. Me thinks that there is something to this, I’m going to get stronger legs because of it. Maybe that’s why so many guys ride SS during the spring campaign, it’s helps your spin, and builds stonger legs. If you have the gears, you’ll use um. I will never be without a Single Speed again. Yes, I’ll try fixed. Just give me a little time to get used to one gear first. I can’t beleive I’ve waited this long to get one. I love it.

It seems like it’s been awhile since I’ve gotten some good miles in on the weekend, hoping to change that this upcoming. Hopefully I’ll have some pics. I miss the road bike.

Miles ridden today, 21

Miles ridden 2008, 1887.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

I feel shafted, like I’ve been missing out. Sheltered is more like it. All these years of gears, and I’ve just now discovered the joy of the SingleSpeed. I never thought I could do it, or, like riding SS. As Ned Overand said, “if your not wearing out your derailleurs your not shifting enough, shift early, and shift often” So I’ve honed my skills like a true journeyman, I work that cassette like an artist works in oils. I can shift front and rear in combo without throwing a chain. I’m a shifting afficionado. So, I didn’t think I’d take to one cog. Plus, I’m no masher, I go for the easy gears on the climgs like a sissy with no knees. Mind you I’m not spinning 120 in granny gear to get up a 5% grade, I’m not that bad. But, I’m not pushing the 53 up Germantown either.

It was my pal Ken, him and that Aussie I pass all the time on my way in to work. They started it, got me all intrigued about the simple life. I’ve been looking for months, looking for the right bike to come along. I found it in the Langster. I had an S-Works E-5 road back in 2003. I loved that bike, should have never sold it, I digress. The Langster reminds me of the E-5, only not as fast. It rides great, fits me well, and I got it at a bargain. What’s not to like? I was worried about the gears, never having ridden SS before. But it would seem that the stock 42/16 gears suit me well, I can cruise along at 17/18 miles an hour with not too much effort and I only have to get out of the saddle on the steeper pitches. I like that I can’t cheat, I can’t shift down and take the easy way up. Works me just fine, thank you.

I love it. I feel like I’ve opened the next chapter in the evolution of a cyclist. (took me long enough) I suspect that my SS is going to see a lot of miles this summer commuting and running errands. I’ll still break out the correct tool for the job on road rides and cross stuff. But the SS has offically arrived and I now don’t see me without one. I could…. even forsee me, racing in the new SS Master’s old fart class for cyclocross. Uhh, K-man, can you get on that please…..

Miles ridden today, 21

Miles ridden 2008, 1866.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

I was spent this morning. After a hellacious day on Friday and a long day visiting my Dad in Chehalis yesterday I was wiped out. Zero motivation to get on the bike this morning. Morale was low. Mom was supposed to ride with me but her bum leg was bothering her and she opted out. So, I was solo, again. It took some prodding, but I drug my ass onto the bike and went out for a spin. Earlier in the week I had planned on doing 50 today, no way that was going to happen. We had some flippin’ wind this morning too, adding to my less than ambitious mood. All I wanted to do was hang out at the back of the pace line and suck wheel. Nope, I had to work out front by myself.

By the time I got to the end of Tile Flat I had had it. This wind sucks. I turned right and headed home. Now it’s not often I take the short way home, I’ve done that maybe twice in the last 9 years. I just wasn’t having that wind today, nope not happenin’.

After my ride I decided to go on down to RCB, and have a look at the Langster. I’ve long wanted a Single Speed and the right one just hasn’t came along. It’s hard to fit me on a stock bike, and after checking various geometry charts the Langster looked to be my starting point. Plus, I had a tight budget in mind and there just aren’t a whole lot of Single Speeds that fit those two criteria.

What sparked my interest was the city theme’s. The Langster had these cool variations, NY, London, Boston, and Seattle. I dug the NY and London bikes, but I fear they would just be too much temptation for a thief to pass up. Most likely I wouldn’t have one of them very long before being swiped. I thought the London bike looked really cool in person and I dug the track bars, but too much temptation for what my intended use is going to be. This is going to be an errand getter/commuter, and I’ll have to lock it up and turn my back on it. Don’t think that would be wise with the NY, Boston, or London.

I was after the non bling version, the basic Langster. And to my delight, they had a 2007 model left over from last year that I actually liked better paint wise, and was 10% cheaper. I rode it, dug it, and I am now the proud owner of my 1st Single Speed. I got it dirt cheap and I’m thrilled. Hell I’ve spent more on a set of wheels people than I did on my Single Speed!

My 2007 Langster, Bone stock.

They say you only need one……gear that is. Sugino Cranks, I was pretty happy bout’ that.

One cog, 16t. I love horizontal dropouts.

another side shot.

You forget just how stiff a Phat Aluminum BB can be, there’s no flexin’ going on here…

That’s it, my very 1st single speed, tomorrow I’ll throw a cheap computer on it (I’m anal about odometer mileage on my bikes) and I’ll start commuting on it Tuesday. I’m pretty stoked.

The knee is a little better (I think) I tested it today with some pretty hard big ring efforts up some pitches and it seems to be ok, well not ok, but at least I’m not limping like last weekend. I’m choosing the half full approach and assuming it’s going to gradually get better. I hope to get in some good riding this weekend. (I know it’s Sunday, and I’m already looking forward to next weekend) By then I’ll have another weeks commuting in and hopefully it will be even better.

Miles ridden today, 20

Miles ridden 2008, 1823.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

When I started this blog I had high aspirations, I wanted be to be the next K-man, Brooke Hoyer, Greg Keller, and even Fast Freddy. Guys whom I read daily all during cross season for race reports and getting my fix. I had delusions of grandeur, I was going to be this great blogger. People (cyclists) were going to hang on my every word, and the hit counter was going to go thru the roof. People (cyclists) were going to get their fix on all things cycling through my eyes, and the feeds were going to be a plenty. I’d be typing with a purpose on all things bike, and bringing cutting edge commentary and insight into the cycling world. It’s nice to have dreams folks, but thats not really what transpired. My audience in reality is pretty small, a handful of readers (mostly my family) that check the blog with any regularity. I’m surprised I’ve made it this far.

Somewhere amoungst my initial excitement the reality of what this blog was going to be manifested. I’m a Pack Fodder (hopelessly anonymous) cyclocross racer, husband and father, an average working Joe. That’s my perspective. I’ve tried to tell my story, the constant challenge that life presents, work, exercise, play. Trying to get to my optimal fitness level, and time it to its peak come late October, without a coach, training partner, or anything else other than my bikes and my love of the ride. I’ve come to realize that despite my efforts, I’ll never win a race or be anything other than Da Fodder. That’s ok, regardless of my knee, or whether I peak at the right time, or show up for cross with less than an optimal fitness level, one thing will remain the same. I love the bike. I love the weekend rides, I love the commutes, I love it all. I feel good when I ride.

I’ve discovered I love to write, the blog has been a great distraction from the mundane. I look forward to grabing my laptop and telling the days story, ride, commute, or just sharing some sweet steed with others. Bikes have so much personality, I’ve no bike anywhere similar to another. This blog is my story, and I’m having fun telling it. If you follow you can see patterns, the ups, and the downs. We go in cycles, us athletes, fitness is much like a repetitive cycle of peaks and valleys. All we can do is try to time it. Ironically, I feel obligated to post, despite my dismal statpress. I do like to write. I’m unfortunately an average writer much in the same way as I’m an average cyclist.

It’s all about bridging gaps. It’s all about chasing the lead group. Finishing on the lead lap is a noble goal for me, but it’s so much more. It’s all about racing the guys in front of you, and defending the guys behind you. There is always, races within the race. Spectators will not notice, or see whats happening, nor will they know what’s going on. When your comprising the pack, your just the filling, the intrest is in the icing, the podium. Anonymity runs rampant in the pack, but there are the guys whom you battle, that group of 3 or 4 that will just scrap till they puke for 50th place. Guys will give everything they have and leave it all out there on the course with nothing to gain, no glory, no podium, no accolades. Nobody is checking the OBRA results for 26th place out of a group of 75 (my best finish last year) We race for the competition, we race for the comradery, we race for ourselves. I know whom my nemisis are: and they know me. We look forward to seeing each other at the races and know we better bring out the “A” game. We elevate each other to placings we wouldn’t get otherwise. I got to know Ty last year and at the series finale in Hillsboro we both laughed and smiled on the start line glad to see each other, but we also knew, when the whistle blows, it’s kill or be killed. The race is on, Ty would not give me an inch, nor I give one to him. We had some great battles. Respect follows, racing is being alive, it’s the most cherished thing I do. During the race, I want to die it hurts so bad, as soon as it’s over, I can’t wait till the next race. Such is cross.

I had a pretty spirited ride in this morning, the sun was out, and it wasn’t cold. I felt good and rode fast on my way to my pre work cup of cappuccino @ Peets with a friend of mine. The knee wasn’t bothering me, or my high spirits were masking it well. While waiting at a stoplight, I waved to another cyclist commuting to work. As I started to go through the intersection my foot slipped out of the pedal and I gouged my calf pretty good. Not to mention I looked like retard that was just learning to ride with clipless pedals. What a rookie manuvere, Yes, I’m a retard that can’t ride a bike. I’m sure the driver of the car behind me thought I was an idiot. Oh well, not even a cramping bloody calf could dampin my spirits this morning, that was one of the best cups o jo’ I’ve had, ever. I love coffee. The ride home, in contrast was less than enjoyable. After 10 hours at work with no lunch I was spent, and the legs flat out denied me cooperation. I limped home, calf reminding me of this morning all the way. No matter, I got my 3 consecutive days in. I’m on schedule for my 2nd quarter goal. Make all the small goals, and I’ll likely hit my big ones, Logic tells me that. Or is it wishfull thinking?

The Knee is holding, not getting worse, yet not really getting any better. Sunday will give me a getter idea where it’s at.

Miles ridden today, 19

Miles ridden 2008, 1803.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

As I eluded too in my last post ride thread, I went to see the wobblenaught fit specialist to discuss my all of a sudden, outta nowhere, problem knee. I found out very little, without actually seeing me on the bike and doing an actual fit, all he can do is speculate. Who knows? The body does things, I’ve obviously tweeked it, I just don’t know how? If I did, I’d avoid doing it in the future.

I’ve been trying to put off getting fit as I don’t have the scratch that it requires. I suppose if the knee doesn’t recover that’s what I’ll have to do. Not to mention, see a doctor and have an MRI. I’ve been fit on another bike, and I’ve tried to copy my measurements as close as possible, but I could be off, just a little. That might be enough to have caused the damage. It might be just enough to manifest on the longer rides, but not show up on the shorter ones. I noticed the knee bothering me after the Historic Hwy ride. On the other hand, I could just be over thinking this and just tweeked it. The good news is I was able to commute in to work today and although the knee is sore, I’m not limping. I was pretty apprehensive. I took it real easy, no out of the saddle riding, and I spun the easy gears on all the climbs. No mashing. That will be my plan for the next two days as well.

One thing is for sure, it’s either going to get better, or get worse. The coming days are going to tell the tale. I’m hoping to ease my way back, and not have to spend time off the bike. I plan to ride in to work the next two days, and get some decent, but not long miles in on Sunday. By then I hope to know at least which way the knee is headed. I don’t even want to think about having to contend with a bad knee injury at this time of year, that could really put a damper on my cross training. I’m supposed to be finishing up my base training by mid July and headed into high intensity interval work come August, not to mention running. So the timing is not good, can you tell I’m stressin’ just a little?

Miles ridden today, 21

Miles ridden 2008, 1762

Cheers!