You Gotta Have Goals

It may seem like a little thing, but it's something I've been working toward. Today I achieved my 25 mile training ride. That's 1/4 of my goal distance (though that eventual ride will be slower paced). I have much happiness. It didn't hurt. I didn't die. I didn't fall off my bike. I did have to stop and refill my water, but it was warmer today than it should be.

My advisors have been dead on with the advice they've given me. The books have all been right. And, it's amazing how an hour or two on a bike can fly by. Better than therapy.

I learned a few things today.


1. I need to switch bikes for these rides. Old faithful is great for this, but a little clunky for what I'm trying to do now. It's like asking a Jeep to do a sports car's job. (Not that I don't love my bike. I just need two now.) I was able to pace someone on a much faster bike for 2 miles at 21 mph. If I were on a lighter bike with tires that made less contact with the road, I honestly think I could have held on a little longer. I'm even antsier now for the upgrade.

2. I get a disturbing sense of glee out of steep hills.

3. I get a disturbing sense of dread out of slow, long inclines.

4. Even with good shorts, your butt hurts.

5. St. Louis County Park water tastes gross.

6. Be careful where you store your Gu.

That's all. I'm just happy. And, right now on the cycle log site where I'm tracking my progress, my unspoken arch nemesis and I are exactly .24 miles apart in our October tally. Based on his riding patterns I'll be able to log some good middle-length mid-week rides where he only rides short rides. I'm on track to hit and surpass my goal of 200 miles per month. I'm at 120 so far. Groovy.

So, in celebration, music. Though there is disagreement in the house as to which song. So, I give you both.

My wife suggests this:

"Glorious" by A. Graham and the Moment Band

Which, of course, is a good choice. Very apropos of the feeling of happiness. But, I suggest this:

"Alive & Amplified" by The Mooney Suzuki

Just because it's a loud, boisterous song. The album kind of blows in comparison to their previous output though.