long time - taper

so rarely do i check analytics, but for some reason just before posting the note about Mark, i saw it, saw that it was a very negative trend.  Negative as in scientifically going to a smaller number, not with any human emotional attachment.  Simple explaination, I hadn't posted anything.

Had meant to post stuff.

Meant to write about Wed night ride with Fox.  How the impending showers were there, ninigret was canceled and perfect opportunity for others to come out, and while it was threatening, as I left the bike shop it was not raining.  It was not raining when we left the traffic circle/waterman grille at 5pm.  It was just the two of us.

But by the time we got mid-span on the Red Bridge, it was raining.

Already dressed, ready to go. I had arm warmers on, but bare knees.  It was 63 at the start.  Wet knee warmers aren't much help.  Sure I should consider investing in some Ibex bib shorts or knickers instead of kids shoes or clothes, but I run what i got and it ain't wool and yeah.  On the ride it was great.  Working hard enough that there was no possible way to get cold.  With the base layer on I was actually almost too hot with the efforts of the ride.

I just went to the front, pulled, rode hard, kept the effort strong, pushed way to the breaking point, Fox sprinted around at each sprint point, taking the line.  I tried to stay with him and contest the sprint but I also tried to go hard enough that he would have to work and maybe give me a chance, no dice.  I guess I kind of make a pretty good hole in the wind to follow.  He took Pine, he took Rocky Hill, he seriously gap'd me on hillside on the first pitch, I just couldn't stay on his wheel, but then I regrouped and charged up the final pitches and tried closed in on him but still couldn't catch him.

Got to the top and he was 'waiting' at the sprint line for me.  Well not really.  He had blown a front spoke, radial wheel, BMC frame - zero clearance.

So I pulled out my spoke wrench from the seat bag still packed from RdR3.0, and make the wheel straight enough to get home without removing any more clear-coat.

On the ride we went from pouring rain, clouds and dark to sunny blue patches of sky.  It was dry by the time I rolled back into the shop but I was spent and wet and now had to grab a backpack and ride home.  And I was too blown to pedal hard enough to stay warm.  Normally that's the way it is done.  If you are underdressed you just go hard enough to stay warm.  I needed to have changed into dry clothes at the shop to make it home warm.  That or get some technical cycling wool outergarments.  I was coldwhen I got home.  Took a good pile of awesome images though on the way home (G+).  Also paused to watch a Blue Heron fishing then saw a really strange looking bird.  Turned out to be a Green Heron, very odd, hadn't seen one before.

Rolled home pre-hypothermic. Not so good.  But a warm shower and winter layer of clothes with thick wool socks and a hoodie pulled over my head had me warmed up by 10pm or so.

Thursday was no riding, friday much the same - lots of craziness ensuing with the end of school end of ballet end of soccer and of schedule as we know it.

I did manage to squeeze in a ride on Saturday morning.  I was the one not racing the next day so I played human Derny.  Aka motor pacer. A good short ride.  Worked at the shop a bit, watched some impressive ballet performances, went home had a beer or three, made food for the late arrivals.  Sunday no riding, just soccer chauffeur and special dinner chef.

No riding today either - funny how i break days into Riding or no riding.  Thats how i think of them. What can I say.  Maybe tomorrow but also, maybe not.

Crazy day - not nearly enough time to reflect on the anniversary of the passing of a dear friend, Mark Louis Frances Nicholson.  Not nearly enough time.

His spirit and his smile live on, and will, as long as we keep revisiting the wonderful memories of a great man.

with that

heddwch
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