YTD – 945
MTD – 240
Today – 16
The weathermen have been predicting rain and thunderstorms for days to no avail. Each day the sun peeks out and gets it done. Today was looking like it would finally be the day. I swung by the LBS and picked up some Qoleum embrocation in the “Hot” style to give it a shot. I mean I didn’t shave my legs for nothin’…right? I am intending to use it tomorrow for my first bike race and the weather is looking to be pretty “Belgie”. I slathered it on, put on my favorite wooly jersey jersey and hit road.
About halfway into the ride the rain started. I pulled over and put my phone in a bag and kept after it. I really don’t mind riding in the rain. It leads me to a decided feeling of some sort of warped accomplishment. Like – “look at me, I’m so tough” (say this out loud in a high-pitched, mocking voice – that’s what my wife will do to me).
I put “mud guards” (here’s why I no longer refer to them as fenders) on this bike a month or two ago and they have served me well as the snow melted off the roads and led to consistent spraying. This was the first opportunity I have had to really ride in the rain. Wow. Much better. I got wet of course, but no telltale spray up the back, no soaking wet chamois in 2 minutes, just generally better. Not to mention the bike was much cleaner when I finished.
I didn’t really notice the embro on the ride although I must say my legs were not cold…at all. Compared to my hands (which is not really fair) they were significantly warmer. I got my first indication of what was to come when I stopped at a light about 5 minutes from the end of the ride. Seemed like my legs were heating up a tad. After I returned and started wiping off the bike the real burn came on big time. Funny almost, but I hit the shower armed with dish soap to try and cut it off – to no avail. Slowly and surely after about an hour it fizzled out. Good to know for tomorrow.
Here is the post ride return: Wet but with significantly improved attitude
As I mentioned tomorrow will be my first bike race. I feel good about my training so far. I have received lots of good advice and I am ready for it…I hope.
