Last week I spent 8 hours in the saddle, riding 120 miles here in suburban Philadelphia. I had not logged that much time outdoors since the week of October 31—November 6. Even if you’re only an amateur mathematician, then you will notice that’s a 15 mph average. In summer I would consider that to be painfully slow, but at this time of year it’s OK. Not only am I not fit right now, but also I am doing rides in urban areas with lots of stop signs, traffic lights, and turns. My average will improve with greater fitness and with a return to the rural roads that surround West Bend. I am extending my stay in Pennsylvania until Thursday or Friday. I will be home by Saturday night to begin my new work week.
West Bend is about to enjoy its nicest warm streak since mid-October and I won’t be there to benefit. It’s almost as if my return is going to trigger the massive temperature drop, so thanks for nothing:
But it will be nice here in PA, too, so I plan to rack up more miles in the week to come:
When I return to Wisconsin my first priority—well, my first cycling priority—will be to prepare for Cheesehead Roubaix on April 29. There may be some significant route changes this year … more on that subject later. My second priority will be bike maintenance. It’s time to install the new parts I acquired over the winter: tires for the road bike and a better saddle for the gravel bike. I did my first ride in a new pair of shoes yesterday. When I’m back in Wisconsin my new helmet will come out of its box. It feels like the 2023 cycling season has begun in earnest.
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