(I skipped over Thursday’s exciting adventure. Here it is.)
After Wednesday’s evening of advocacy, I was pretty revved up. I didn’t get to sleep until after midnight. Overnight temperatures were dropping and the winds were howling.
It was 27 degrees with a 20+ mile per hour head wind at 7:15 a.m with winds gusting over 40 miles per hour. The Mule’s back tire was low and my floor pump wouldn’t pump so Little Nellie put on a brave face and we headed out into the gale.
After a quarter mile of tailwind I turned into the wind. WHAM!!!
This is gonna be a long ride.
And it was.
Three times I was blasted by a cross wind that pushed Little Nellie sideway. I leaned in like Sheryl Stanberg on Red Bull. I had some protection from buildings and trees until I got north of the airport.
Whoa Nellie. Lets just say I am glad the trail is not closer to the river. After a big turn, I headed into the wind and slowed to 4 miles per hour. And I was giving it everything I had. Wow. It felt like a giant hand was on my chest.
I thought I’d never get to the office. Runners and cyclists coming from the opposite direction gave me encouragement and a laugh.
Don’t. Stop. Now.
This went on for 2 ½ miles. I was pedaling my ass off and getting nowhere.
I arrived late but knackered and chuffed. That was the hardest commute in a long time. And despite all the work, it was a blast. (Pun intended.)
The ride home benefited from a strong tailwind, thank god. It was practically effortless to go 18 miles per hour.
I stopped at the grocery store to buy some bananas and some Vitamin I with a sedative. I have been taking this at bedtime to help me sleep and calm my hip. It’s good stuff.
Errandonnee Summary
Category: Grocery Store
Miles: 15
Observation: I am shocked at how well my back and hip responded to today’s ride. Of course, it could be the case that I am so jacked up on Vitamin I that I can’t feel a thing. Or maybe I am getting better. I’ll know when I quit taking the Vitamin I in a couple of days.
A Few Spokes Shy of a Wheel 