After having taken a little hiatus from riding I figured it was time to get back on the saddle last week. As it turns out my hamstring seems to bother me the most while I swim. As a high school swim sprinter, I have a huge kick so that makes sense. I decided moving forward while I’m still healing (damn this shit’s taking for-ev-er) I’m going to ride my face off because it doesn’t get agitated on the bike. And quite frankly, I need the most work on the bike so it’s a win-win.
On Friday night Chris-Brian and I headed over to the paved trail and got in a short ride before dinner. I felt slow and must say that my cardio has definitely taken a beating these past few weeks. I cannot wait to run again.
Saturday I had a car tire blow out on the way back to the paved trail for another short ride but since I had to head into the office I had no time to ride. Boo. However, I got a new tire and all is fine. I also went to a movie on Saturday and I have to report that I didn’t really like Snow White and the Huntsman. That will teach me to see a Kristen Stewart movie. To be fair, Charlize Theron was pretty awesome and of course that Hemsworth is way easy on the eyes.
Finally on Sunday I sucked it up and headed to the hills. Surprisingly there are a few spots in Florida that one can find hills. And they are big. And scary. But it’s definitely time I get over being scared because Augusta’s got some hills I’ll need to conquer.
 |
| Post ride tasting the Chocolate Stinger Waffle. |
I’m happy to report that I made it through about 30 miles with some very nice climbing. Sure I was going about 8 MPH up most of them and again my cardio is definitely not where it needs to be but overall I’m happy I got out there and have decided I need to ride hills much more often. In fact, I’m looking foward to it!
Lazy Runner came out to ride and brought me a new chocolate Stinger Waffle to try. I still like the honey the best, but the chocolate is quite tasty. Lazy Runner also finally got clips for his rig and didn’t fall once. What is it with all of these coordinated people who get on clips and don’t fall? I must ride the clips short bus cause I fell at least eight or nine times. Heh.
 |
| See? Angry, knife-wielding pedal wants to kill you! |
One hilarious thing did happen on our ride and I couldn’t stop laughing because it was so new to me. Just as I was climbing a hill toward the end of the ride and I was the very last person in the group to go up it, not at all shocking there, I was dog tired. My legs were hurting and my heart was racing. Again, cardio is not so great right now. I hear someone ride up on my left and then I feel a hand on my back. I look over and this male cyclist with a heavy Hispanic accent says, “I’m going to help you up.” And sure enough he rides right next to me with his hand on my back and basically pushes me up the hill. It was awesome! I didn’t know this could be done and I’d take help like that any day of the week. Thanks random cyclist dude!
 |
| Jen, me, and Jamie ate some hills for breakfast. |
It was a great ride and I’m glad I survived. I’ve still got a long way to go but I’ve certainly come a long way from the girl who didn’t even want to ride her bike ten miles. I rocked my Punk Rock Racing jersey and gloves and I love them both. Thanks Ron!!
Happy Monday peeps! Congrats to those who raced this weekend. You guys are awesome!
Woah! That shadow is awesome!
So you hurt your hammy in high school? I've lost some cardio too, after two years I got back on the bike and almost died!
wowsers that does sound like a tough ride for Tampa! Great job sticking it out. Bike speed and comfort come with volume, so keep it up and you'll feel better next time.
Us hispanic men can be very helpful……haha!
You are going to keep getting stronger. Keep at it.
Congrats on your ride. If my assumption about biking custom is correct, I believe you're now married to that Hispanic helper. Cheers!
I've never been helped up a hill! That's amazing! Come up to TN, I'll show you some hills 😀 It's finding flats to work on speed that's hard!
You look so yummy in your cycling kit.
Wow that's pretty awesome I want help up a hill!!!
I just snorted at Viper's comment! LOL! I'm glad those hills were delicious Boo!
That is one scary pedal! I would ride uphill anytime if someone would push me up! Awesome!
Can we get this hill assistance tradition started in running too? I could often use some help!
The cardio bit is killing me right now! Awesome job on those hills, dahling. I forgot to mention that I sent one of mi amigos over to help you. Hehe!
I'm conflicted on the Snow White movie. I know I'm probably not going to like it, but Charlize Theron is in it. She's pretty much one of my favorite actor-type people. So I feel almost obligated to see how she handles the role.
I'm conflicted on the Snow White movie. I know I'm probably not going to like it, but Charlize Theron is in it. She's pretty much one of my favorite actor-type people. So I feel almost obligated to see how she handles the role.
If I weren't half laying on my couch like a sloth, I may have fallen over laughing at the Angry Knife Wielding Pedal! Too funny!