1/18/98
The weather has been typical Seattle. Not as cold as last week, and no snow. Just lot's of light rain, and some wind.
I went out on a training ride yesterday. I went to the regular Saturday meeting place, but no one was there. I was out on the Lemond again. I think the small adjustments I made did the trick, because the chain stopped skipping/shifting when I pedaled hard. I thought I'd take an easy ride. After waiting for about 5 minutes for someone to show up, I decided to ride back north towards Logboom Park. I was thinking of riding up Juanita Drive, a fairly big hill. Then maybe repeat it and go home. When I got to the park, the Erickson ride was there. I went to use the bathroom, and when I ame out, Don was there. He must have been at the meeting place just a few seconds after I left. Since Don was there, I decided to join him and go with the Erickson ride. At least up to the church, which is at the top of some hills.
I managed to get to the top of the hill pretty well. I remember the first few times I went this way - I'd get to the top way, way after everybody else. But this time, I actually beat quite a few people to the top. Then the Erickson ride went off further. I decided to go with them with Don. This turned out to be a pretty long, very hilly ride. After a couple of the bigger hills, the strong group of riders left us, speeding off the front. Don stayed with me, since I had no idea where we were. After a while, it seemed that we were hitting every hill in Seattle. There was lot's and lot's of climbing. I felt pretty good, but eventually my calves started to cramp. I think it's the higher position I have on the new bike. It allows me to use more of my leg muscles to power the bike, but some of those leg muscles aren't quite used to the strain yet.
We eventually got back. It was a 3.5 hour ride, of about 60 miles or so.
This morning I woke up a little sick, so I didn't ride in the morning. I think I'll go shop for bike parts today to outfit my Bianchi. Then maybe I'll ride later today. The weather is pretty bad, but not too rainy.