One day 35, the next 6.5

So yesterday was a beautiful day. I had planned two different road rides. I elected to go with the one that would keep me in close proximity to home. My goal was to ride 2-3 hours. I got in 35 miles in 2:42:37. It was a great day to ride other than the occassional wind. I left home and wound my way to Loch Haven Rd. From there I rode to Salem via Thompson Memorial and Edgebrooke Rd and Red Lane Ext. Cruised through Salem via Broad St where I used to spend many hours at the Salem Rescue Squad. Took Union St to West Riverside to Front and from there to Apperson Drive, where a short while later I rode in the shadow of my former employer (LGH). As I made my way down Brandon Ave, I debated how in the world to cut through Grandin Court. I am just not familiar with the streets here. I wound up near the huge cemetary and behind Wasena Elementary. I turned off of Grandin about three blocks too soon. It was ok, as I knew where I was so I ended up riding up Main St to get to Wiley Drive. After crossing the low water bridge, I stopped and had a granola bar.

I decided to go ahead and try to ride up Mill Mtn and attempt to get to Bandy Road. I managed to get up Mill Mtn (this was at mile 23 into my ride). I threw my chain off halfway up as I was having to use my granny gear and was struggling. This killed all of my momentum, so I struggled even more. At last I got to the Monument. I continued on, but ended up turning around just before the bridge. I wound up taking Yellow Mtn Rd back downtown then headed out Jefferson St to Salem Ave. Over the 2nd St Bridge, down Gainsboro Rd to the Lick Run Greeway at Washington Park. Headed home from there. I think sometimes I am the only person who ever rides the GW from here to Valley View. It's actually a nice way to get home for me, and I'm looking forward to riding to/from work this way. Just can't do it with this week's work schedule.

Today, I went to work at 0630 therefore got to leave at 3p. This left just enough time to sneak in a MTB Patrol ride on Mill Mtn. I rode for about an hour (6.5 miles). Enjoyed riding a geared bike again that fits right. I do need to tinker with two things on it, but that will wait until later. The bike was great - it's been a long time since I've ridden it and it was fun to have full suspension too! I rode down Ridgeline to the road to Woodthrush (my favorite trail). Woodthrush to Star to the road, to Monument (it kicked my ass today, mileage adds up huh?) Enjoyed running into a fellow patroller toaday (a first for me). We chatted a bit then headed our separate ways.

I am tired, but have enjoyed riding all three of my bikes in three days. I took my SS to Explore Park on Saturday while helping out with a trail race. It sucked royally to have a SS there, plus I was wearing jeans and a tshirt. UGH! Tomorrow and Wednesday are gym days then I may ride Thursday, Friday and Sunday. YAY!!!