MTD – 211
YTD – 1544
Although I took a break from updating this blog I have not taken a break from riding my bike. I am as addicted as ever and compulsively racking up miles where I can get them. My yearly target is up to 3000 miles and may get upgraded again.
This past weekend brought the promise of Show and Go with the RCCS I could not arrange the logistics and had to refrain. The reports indicate a great ride and the weather was certainly on point for the day…although that may have disappointed the organizer. Instead I headed out for my first “Club Ride” with the local bike club the LBC. I have been advised previously that the Tuesday night ride that departs from St Matthews in Louisville is a speed ride. I wasn’t for sure about this Sunday afternoon one but a gentleman I met waiting to cross the tracks to arrive indicated it had plenty of speed. I was quite impressed by the number of riders who amassed to depart – maybe as many as 75. I introduced myself as a noob and was politely advised to sign in ad given a cue sheet. There was some nice casual encouragement from the coordinator. I waited to get started and mostly observed. Lots of high class bikes, lots of spandex…I fit the bill on the spandex part. As we took off the rain started, it looked like it would be a pretty wet ride but it quit pretty soon. I really have minimal experience riding in large groups and took some time to work up to the front. I lack passing confidence and I really just wanted to observe the feel of the ride. We exited Cherokee park and I caught the lead group of about 15 at the Grinstead light. From there out I was able to keep pace with the group. I was admittedly the only one on a 70′s steel bike but I held in fine. We predictably headed towards River Road and I found myself in the surreal position of being in a fast moving…eh…peleton?!? of Lycra excitement on River Road. Grwoing up in Oldham County and having driven RR more times than I can count I never expected to find myself here. The pace was fast running up to 27-28 mph even at the tail. This is hard to replicate outside of this environment. There was a lot to love – no talking, just drivetrains, pedaling, and breathing. There was water on the road which shot a fine spray into my face – I could have cared less. I just finished 3 Lance books in quick sucession and I have been daydreaming about euro-road-racing a lot. We pulled off into Glenview and climbed slightly to head back towards Northfield and eventually St Matthews. As we headed into StM the pace seemed to fall off a bit but I looked down and we were still moving at 20MPH. The only letdown was the return to the start. I don’t know what I expected but it was really just kind of a letdown. Everyone just kinda left. I asked a gentleman (an avowed communiss by his jersey selection) if that was it?…he said “pretty much” so I departed. I took an easy ride back home to regroup with the family.
I could really feel the effects of running full out by the time I got back home. Even after the 6 mile trip to the start at 16.5MPH I was at 19.8 after the conclusion. That translates to hauling ass in my book. It was an exhilarating ride and one that I hope I can repeat in the future. I commented to my friend and riding buddy that I thought it would be impossible to replicate the intensity elsewhere.
My legs were still feeling sore on Monday so I decided to attempt what they call a “recovery ride”. I set out on a looping 15 mile jaunt at lunch time with only light hills and manage to constrain myself to 15 MPH. It was OK – I think I prefer the hammering but my legs feel fresh as I sit in the MDW airport bar and type this. Tomorrow may bring a lunchtime riding partner and may not. I think I will climb Moser Know either way. I may add some hills for effect….can’t wait to get on that bike.
