getting fat, slow and weak willed
Lobster Joe
Chris stopped by at 7am to ride the Leschi – Auburn – Leschi 200k on Saturday. Both of us were fresh off colds that kept us off of our bikes for a couple of weeks. Making matters worse (for myself at least), I’ve been eating pasta here and there… and there. There might have been beer and bourbon involved too. It is the holidays after all.
The forecast was “chance of rain” throughout the day. Seattlites know that means “definite rain” at least part of the day. As it turns out, the weather was all rain, all day. It was never dumping rain, but it was a steady drizzle throughout. Enough to soak through every layer I had on and then some. I was decked out in my full wool getup, so I was warm, but it wasn’t very comfortable either.
The start of a soggy ride
Cedar River Trail
My cold was gone, but my chest was still full of flu and I spent a good chunk of the day hacking it back up.
We had amazing company with Joe Llona, John Whitenack and Steve Frey throughout the morning keeping a steady (if a bit fast for me at the time) tempo on the front. They are all great guys and fun to talk to.
By the time I started the climb into Black Diamond though, my legs weren’t having it. I hadn’t really done a bit of riding for almost 2 straight weeks and my thighs were burning. We started the descent into Auburn and I couldn’t get them to calm down.
Once we got into Auburn (45 miles into the 200k, 55 miles into the day), I opted to pack it in and ride the (flat) Interurban back home. Chris decided to ride back with me and nurse the rest of his cold at home. I felt really bad dropping the others, but as soon as I was headed home, I knew it was the right decision.
The Interurban trail took an eternity to ride back. I felt like I was doing interval training. My legs would get a little pep in them, trying to hold a tempo, and then die again after a minute or so to where I was crawling along. It is amazing how much fitness you can lose in a couple of weeks.
A shower was the first thing on the menu once I got back. Well, a shower and a sandwich. And a beer. Old habits die hard.
I had a headache that rolled throughout the weekend and my muscles all hurt. I think I really underestimated my general health. My cough is still stuck with me to this day.
Thanks to the other guys for hanging out with me, even if only for a short while. I love riding my bike so it was good to be out with out, even while suffering.
Speaking of food, I have a post coming up on how to make the perfect Croque-Madame. This should get you all excited for Paris in 2011. Don’t eat too many though. You will never make it to the end of a 1200K that way.
.
R
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Impressive you guys even started a 200k on that rainy day – I was lazy and sat inside thinking about how crappy it was outside, and how y’all were actually riding in it – kudos even if you didn’t finish.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Well, Robert, I’m surprised you two didn’t overtake me on the trail. Starting out a half hour earlier than you, I also abandoned the ride (and the other 8 riders) In Auburn, took the Interurban back as far as Southcenter and thought I should call my wife to let her know I was on my way home. I discovered that launching into an uncontrollable coughing attack is good for a free ride home in the car from that point (since we only live 15 minutes away).
We live to fight another day, eh?
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Oh man, Croque Madame. I am not sure if you are inspiring me to ride more or to eat more.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:18 am
I’ve been lurking since last spring and I’m ready to give brevets a go.
Are you planning on riding the winter training series?
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I was out soloing the Snoqualmie Valley & Falls 200k that day, and came real close to packing it in before ever leaving the parking lot. Got a flat before I ever even made it out onto the road!
It rained all day, never got very warm, and was just that persistent spirit crushing misty gray weather. Had I been coming off a cold, I don’t think I would have even loaded my bike into the car to head to the start.
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Thanks again, everyone.
Jansen – I am planning on riding the series. If it is anything like last year, I will probably ride the bulk of them, but not all. It gets difficult to get out multiple Saturdays in a row with everything I have going around the house. I hope to see you out there. Make sure to say hello if you see me.
December 28th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
It’s a little odd to see a picture of Joe when you point to the headline “Getting fat, slow, and weak willed” on SIR. If Joe is any of those things there’s little hope for most of us
December 28th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Yep, that was definitely a pretty miserable day for a ride. Somehow I still managed to enjoy almost all of it, right up to the point where I got a flat in the dark and the rain about 5 miles from the finish (and about a mile from my house, which made for a difficult moment of soul searching).
It’s always a pleasure to ride with you, Robert. I hope to see you on the road again soon.
Steve
December 29th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Chris – I am certainly not speaking for the whole ground when I speak of “slow, fat and weak willed”. I’m the one that bailed less than half way through the ride! Joe was out there on a fixed gear.
Steve – You’ll see me soon. Let me know if you have any January rides planned on a weekend. I’m pretty open (except on the 9th/10th).