Slow, Steady Progress

Sunday's rain-shortened ride started a 6-day streak of rides that never took me far from home.

Today was my sixth straight day on the bike and that’s pretty good for April in Wisconsin. In fact, that’s the first time I’ve accomplished the feat since 2020. The streak won’t get any longer, though, as tomorrow’s wind chill will be in the 30s. Sunday looks cold too. And that kind of cold is not uncommon around here in April, but it will feel like a real insult after our recent run of warm weather. On Monday, West Bend reached 80° for the first time since October 5.

I’m up to 20 outdoor rides so far this year, which is far ahead of last year’s pace. In 2025, I didn’t do my 20th outdoor ride until June 5! Miles are starting to add up, too. Today’s ride brought me to 400, year-to-date. That’s only 20 miles per ride on average, but longer rides are coming soon.

This was my first 100-mile week since September 29–October 5. That was a 203-mile week, and it will be a while before I do one of those in 2026.

I’ve said many times that I don’t feel “switched on” until I have the first 1,000 miles in my legs each season. I would need uncommonly good weather to reach that threshold this month, but things are looking good for May.

All Of This And Weight Gain, Too!

On April 1, only a fool would claim to know that Washington County is done with winter weather. In fact, there’s a freezing rain advisory tonight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s news is filled with highway accidents and power outages. A month into the semantics fantasy of “meteorological spring,” we are just as likely to have a day in the 30s as one in the 60s.

Weather in the first quarter of 2026 had its ups and down; it wasn’t a complete disaster. I took the road bike outside more frequently than expected. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing to come out of this winter with the same significant weight gain that characterizes all of my winters. I begin the second quarter of 2026 heavier than I was at any point in 2025. Some of that weight gain was intentional: I have improved my bone density and added about 5 pounds of muscle by following a new strength training program. But I have added too much fat at the same time. Just like last year–just like every year–I will rely on long bike rides to burn off the belly.

I freely admit that I didn’t do everything I could have done for my health and fitness during the first quarter. Commitment to a good indoor cycling program might have made a big difference. I’m satisfied with the other activities I tracked, but yeah, I could have done more. Here’s the breakdown:

Oh, and:

The grand totals:

That’s a lot … yet, not enough. It’s never enough.