On The Fence

 Pisgah Monster CX is looming, 1 week away, and I'm on the fence.  I really, really want to do it.  But, I'm pretty sure I don't have the long rides my legs and mind need to get it done.  My gut tells me I'm good for about 50 miles and the last 20 would be a death march.

I don't want to death march.  Been there, done that.   Do I want to do the ride enough to death march? No.  Then, don't do the ride.  But,  then there is that little voice that says, "maybe".  Yeah, "maybe" I could do  it, and not die.  Maybe I could finish and feel like I had trained for it. 

The problem is, I know what it takes for me to get up to this mileage and I'm just not there. 

Dang it. I really want to do it.

 What else am I going to do that day?  Take a shorter ride and then spend time with the family.  And what about Sunday after the ride?  Right, not feel totally wrecked, and spend another day with the family!  

Hmmm,  maybe I'm on the fence, maybe I've already decided.  Maybe I'm on the fence about being on the fence.  Or not.

All I have to do, it not register.... or register.....  I hope I don't get too many splinters from this fence!

Chasing

 I got to ride with my friend JD.  He is a strong rider and a super nice guy.  He has supported my program in various ways since the beginning, subtle but meaningful and well thought out. 

We crossed paths in the parking lot, each of us heading out for a ride on our new gravel bikes, each of us preparing for Monster CX, each of us with separate goals. 

He invited me to ride with him, I hesitated, then decided to go for it.  I think I warned him that I wasn't up to speed yet, can't remember.  But, after I blew myself up in the first 4 miles, trying to keep his wheel,  I told him to go ahead with out me.  He wouldn't go.  I told him a couple of more times in the next half hour, but he chose to wait. 

I decided to stop feeling bad for ruining his training and appreciate the fact that someone was helping me get some good training in. 

 We had great time chatting about bikes, racing, family and then some reminiscing about the Thursday night Liberty Ride.  Those were some fun times.  

That's how I looked when we parted ways at the top of Bent Creek Gap.  I was cooked and JD went somewhere to ride some more! 

Getting There

Getting consistent rides in has proven to be somewhat easy, but still tricky.  Gotta plan ahead and stay motivated.  I have gotten in the bad habit of making excuses about why not to ride.  I find that if I force myself out the door, those excuses fade in about 30 seconds...  just, get, out, the, door. 

I'm feeling mentally drained this weekend though.  After dealing with some ghosts from my past ( I'm proud of how I handled that situation) and acting on the decision to end my professional relationship with a nationally known ride program (to launch an independent program),  I'm a bit tired.  

Both encounters were good on my end, and helped me learn and grow.  I believe that this will help me help others better! 

Lost and Stung

I went for a quick ride in Bent Creek.  I found a lost girl talking to an elderly couple from out of town.  They were at the top of Hardtimes Rd where it meets the parkway.  They didn't know what to do.I called the Arboretum Police and they came to pick here up and take her back to the gate.

I then took off to find her group,  I had seen them at the bottom of Hardtimes at Bent Creek.  I was able to locate the group and connect them with the Arboretum police. 

In the process, a stinging bug flew into my eye.... and stung me.  No swelling but lots of burning!  Feels better now. 

Adventure Kids WNC

Coming soon!!

Bikes and Bears

 I've been getting on the bike more lately and I'm loving it.  Monster CX is on my mind and I'm a bit overwhelmed.  I don't want to suffer to the point that I feel like death anymore.  I'm ok with suffering, but not dying.  Too much to live for. 

 I got to see two little cubs and a yearling today.  From talking to a couple of people, it seems that these are brothers/sisters ( I didn't get close enough to check) rather than a young mother with two cubs. 

Being in the woods this time of year is so nice.  Thick foliage above creates nice cool shadows below.  Still sweat like a sieve, but being out of the blazing sun is nice.   Mid day road rides are not as much fun. 

Rides and Thoughts

 Back in the saddle again and it feels good.  I don't know how long it will last.  I hope that I can figure out some consistency.  I miss my bike friends, bike events, etc.  I love my family though and those times I spend with them, I will cherish forever. 

I rode the SS today for 1.5 hrs and it felt like 30 mins!  That is what I am talking about.  I have Monster CX on my mind.  It is a  mostly gravel route this year, brand new, with no Blue Ridge Parkway.   If I can keep riding like I have been,   I'll be able to complete the course and feel decent at the end.  

Ride on~