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Did I ever get put in my place today

embarrassed.gifMy performance on the bike today was just pitiful. I was so embarrassed.

Normally I wouldn't ride on Thursday, as that is one of the two days I go into work (Tuesday being the other day), but the plant is still shut down for its Christmas/New Years break, so I had the day off.

And since the rain is supposed to come in with a vengeance starting this evening, which means it's unlikely I'll get much riding in the next 3 days, and in spite of the fact this was my 3rd day in a row riding, and the Thursday ride is a speed workout, I decided to do the Thursday club ride.

Besides, I'm a strong rider, I was feeling good, and the weather was cooperating. There was no wind to speak of, and temps were in the high 40's (°F). It was a nice morning for a ride.

I just don't know what happened. Maybe it was the past two days of riding (although I didn't think I worked that hard those days), or maybe it was the fact three or four of the strongest riders in the club were there, but there were also a number of other riders, I know I was as strong as, if not stronger than, and I've been able to keep up with the fast guys before, but I just didn't have it today.

I even thought I was prepared as we entered the Bolsa Chica state beach parking lot (after a 5 mile warm up), for what was to come.

As the pace picked up, I had to bridged up to the first 4 riders, but that didn't seem to be a big deal, and I settled in behind the last rider to recover.

But then that rider decided to pick the pace up, and went off the front. Initially nobody went, but that didn't last long. Soon I saw myself dropping further and further back, unable to muster enough energy to hang, watching rider after rider pass me by.

It was at the point when I say the last 3 riders, all of whom I thought I was easily as strong as, if not stronger than, pass me by, and I couldn't hang on, I knew I was in trouble.

It was so demoralizing. I kept trying though for a little while longer. I even thought there was some hope, when I saw the group slow down slightly in front of me, but alas, my attempts were futile, the group was just too far ahead.

I was toast!

So I just did another 30 miles down the coast alone, contemplating what happened, and what was to be.

And what was even more depressing, was when I got home and looked at my cyclometer, I saw my top speed was only 28.6 mph. I know I can go faster than that.

Maybe it's good the rains are coming. I'm hoping a few days off the bike will be good for me.
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Comments

Becky said…
I boxed three rounds (knocked two guys out)then played tennis (got my ass kicked )then it was time for some serious bowling. You gotta get a wii for those rainy days.

I actually broke a sweat.
3:49 AM
Marc said…
Yeah, I know! I was tired after bowling 3 games at my nephews over Christmas.

It seems everyone but me, has a WII.

I may just have to break down and buy one, that is if I can find one for sale. Of course I could always go to an actual bowling alley, and bowl instead.
5:54 AM
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