Yesterday...

It was January 23, and it was 60 degrees. Where was I? At work. I always have to work until 5pm on the gorgeous days; and when I'm the early person, it's fugly outside. My workday sucked in so many ways, it's almost hard to put in words. So when it got close enough to 5, I was thrilled to get out. 5:01pm the weekend began! WOO!

I got home, debated going to see my friend and her new 11lb baby boy, but decided that since she was probably covered up with visitors I'd wait. Besides, I had had enough of hospitals for one day. So doing what every self-serving, selfish bicyclist would do, I texted my friend Tim to see if he was still planning to ride at 7pm. He was running late so 7:30pm became the target time. I ate a nice dinner then yanked my road bike out of the trainer, pumped the tires full of air, grabbed my bike light and assorted accessories and jumped in the Jeep and headed to PH.

Once there I dressed for the occassion. It still about 54°F, so I opted for bike tights, shorts, my warm shoes, sleeveless baselayer, shortsleeve jersey, armwarmers, my Gore windstopper jacket, my warm gloves and my favorite beanie. Stuck my new light on my helmet, made sure it was secure (needs one more piece of velcro for the cord); added the taillight and made sure my shoes were going to work ok with this bike. I was riding in the parking lots when Tim arrived a short while later. We waited a short while for his chatty friend, Floyd. Once he arrived, we headed out.

We cut through some streets in Grandin Court and Wasena then took the RR Greenway to Walnut Ave. There we began to climb, I didn't know which way we were going and groaned when Tim turned up the old road. I haven't climbed it from bottom to top on my road bike in a long time. I've done sections of it on both mountain bikes. I was quickly left behind by the two stronger, roadies. Oh well, I was just out to have fun. When it got really hard, I stood up a bit. Then I reminded myself that I had done this on my Single Speed, so there was absolutely no reason this had to be hard. I ended climbing pretty well for me I think. I also think it suprised Tim that I got to the star as quickly as I did. HA!

It was fun to ride at night! I wasn't worried as much as I thought I would be. It was creepy though when we started up Mill Mtn, and it got really dark. My light is great and lights the way quite well. I don't think it was completely charged either! It was however very cold along side the river as we pedalled back to PH. Funny thing is there were little sections where you would ride along and suddenly it would be warm. Kind of reminded me of walking in front the clothes dryer's outside vent. =) Tim said, "it's kind of like pee-ing on yourself." I laughed, but had to agree.

What a great way to end the week. All of work's frustrations were erased just like that. I had a good fitness week too. 4 days straight of strenuous activity - Tuesday - RPM class, Wednesday and Thursday training at the gym and last night's bike ride. Today I plan to do some stuff here then take my dog for a hike on Mill Mtn. I was going to Lynchburg, but that will have to wait. =) I will get there soon.