FRIDAY!!!

After what seemed like the longest week on Earth, I was rewarded with a easy work day - it was actually slow! Not many patients, so we sat around listening to the new SteveFM radio station. Pretty good mixture of music - we really enjoyed it. After nearly straining my neck muscles falling asleep at the computer, I decided to head on home. Why? Because really, I had better things to do than sit there any longer. I went to work at 630a, so I was supposed to get off at 3p. I left at 2:30p. By 3:45, I was on my bike headed out the fireroad from the boat dock. A pretty good accomplishment for me since the last two days have found me pretty fatigued with a sore throat, achy muscles and a congested head.

I survived the gym last night with a notable lack of strength at times, so what was I doing riding my bike today? I guess I've lost my mind or my determination to become a stronger, faster rider has taken over. Despite the snot and congestion, I was going to ride. My original plan was to ride from gate-to-gate from the boatdock to Bennett Springs Road. I wanted to ride it as quickly as I could without stopping. The distance as I discovered today is about 7.1 miles. Today it took me 38 minutes and 41 seconds to get there. Maybe I'll use this to track my progress. I noticed on my way out that there didn't seem to be an abundance of fresh mud or standing water; so I decided to get in some singletrack on the way back.

Of course, I started off with Songbird, which wasn't nearly as muddy as the last time I was out; but there is a huge mess about 3/10 mile up the trail where several trees have falled and completely blocked the trail. A path has formed around the downfall, but I'm hoping that someone will clear the trail. I enjoyed Songbird today, and the "new" water spots along it. I say "new" because it's been habitually dry here practically the entire time I've been riding a mtb, so these spots are new to me. =) I was able to make good progress as expected on the downhill side of things - my fork is still not quite right. Not sure what to do with it at this point. I guess I'll make a few phone calls this weekend. Anyway, Songbird was a blast as usual.

Next I rode Little Bell and had equal amounts of fun. Schoolhouse would be my last singletrack today. The water crossings were all rideable, but had plenty of running water in them. Someone has been out recently and cut the "duck!" tree down as well as removed the huge log pile that is right in the middle of the trail. Can't say I'll miss either feature. The "duck!" tree was right at my head height and I never bothered to try riding those logs. I stopped at the picnic table to take a few pictures of the water. Again, I've not seen the water this high in a long time. Had a bit of shock-shock on one of the big dips - ow my hands. Uneventful ride otherwise.

Got back on the fireroad to head back to my car. Rode it as quickly as I could. I tried to stand on the climbs rather than going to an easier gear. This was halfway successful. I was zooming down a hill and looked up to see another mtb - it was Chas. We exchanged "heys" and continued on without stopping. Soon after this I was rounding one of the bends at a pretty good clip getting ready to climb again, and had to get on the brakes pretty quick as some folks were walking their dog on one of those long leashes. I apologized for running up on them so fast. They smiled and waved, so all was good.

I totally enjoyed my unplanned and unexpected ride. It was fun way to spend a Friday afternoon. Got some good exercise and collected some good mud splatter! =)

14.79 miles
1:29:50