Return to Latigo and of hot weather

It has been almost 6 weeks since I had rode in the DR. Since that time I have gone back to easier (re: less climbing rides). One, I was not training for any particular ride, and two, I was a little nervous that my legs would cramp.

As to number one,I think I may have found a ride. According to Bicycling Magazine on October 24 there will be a Gran Fondo which is a one day 100 mile ride. The reason I say is that for the last month, every time I check the website, I received the message below (including two seconds ago):

Please pardon our dust,we’re preparing to launch our October 24, 2010 Event website.
Check back in a few weeks,when the new site is launched.

So maybe I will not be riding in the above.

As to number two, I decided that I would climb Latigo Canyon which was one of my training rides. It was rather hot today and that might be the reason that I was the only person climbing up in my direction. After the DR, this was a much easier climb. In fact, all my so called "climbing rides" have been so much easier in comparison after the DR. No leg problems and no cramps. However, the heat took its toll on me (I lost a little over 4 lbs). Each time when I return home, I pass an in' and out burger. I always think it would be nice to order a chocolate shake and ride the last 10 miles home. Today I stopped by and the sales person was a little confused as I guess not too many people bike up to the sales window. I purchased the shake and poured it into one of my empty water bottles and continued on my way. It was the extra energy that I needed to get back home.

Bike + Car = Accident

During my bike commute this past Thursday I had come to a stop at an intersection. I started to bike and I noticed to my right a car coming to a stop at his stop sign. Or I should say, I thought he was stopping. Before I knew it he is heading towards me and all I am thinking is he is going to run me over. I was able to brake and turn my wheel so I crashed into his car door. I fell and had some rode rash and re-injured my right hand wrist, but other than that I was (and am) fine. He stopped and asked if I was okay and he told me that he did not see me. I thought that was strange as their was another car next to him at the same stop sign who did not start

driving because he did see me. Fortunately, I was not going fast and neither was the driver or I would be writing this blog from a hospital bed.

Even with my sore wrist I managed to ride 96 miles today.

Harry, Tom and Peter left last Sunday on their ride from tip to tip in the UK. Apparently, a Dalton from Meade, Kansas have made their way to the UK.

Different equipment

Since the end of the DR, I have not been riding as frequently as before. I need to set my sight on a new goal. However, I have been acquiring some accessories along the way and have noted a big difference.

Bike pump vs. floor pump- Such a difference to be able to pump up your tires with a floor pump that lets you know the PSI.

Sneakers vs. clip on bike shoes- I ran for 7 years before buying the bike. I do not miss running at all as biking is easier on the knees. I ran 3 miles on Saturday, so maybe if I find some place to swim; maybe I can try a tri.

Road bike vs. touring bike - It took me a long time to emotionally be able to buy a new bike as the Trek 520 was with me every day of the cross country trip. However, the Trek Madone 5.2 is so much lighter. It also has quick release brakes and shifting is from the handlebars so I can ride in a few different positions and has made riding much more enjoyable. I could not have made the cross country trip without the 520 and I could not have made the DR without the 5.2 (although I wish I had a triple for that ride).

And finally a picture from the UK. Peter, Harry and Tom will be riding from tip to tip starting this week. Hopefully, not on the bike below.