Today was the day. Regardless of how last week’s ride went, I was going to get back on the trails. I got my mountain bike all ready last weekend with hopes of getting off road this weekend – the one thing I forgot to do was adjust the front and rear air shocks to compensate for the weight I’ve gained since the last time I rode.
Wildwood Park is close to home and while the climbs are steep, they’re generally pretty short. This is where I made my first mistake – choosing Wildwood Park. “Steep” and “me” don’t really get along too well right now. The first climb is a bugger. The views of the valley below are great but the trail gains about 700 vertical feet in less than one mile. Add to that the technical elements and you’ve got a trail that can pound my legs, lungs, heart and motivation into the earth.
This climb was always a challenge but today, I had to stop on three different occasions to catch my breath. I was absolutely pathetic! This was the first ride I can remember that I didn’t ‘clear’ a segment due to lack of fitness. Usually the culprit has been an obstacle that my technical skills couldn’t match.
I concluded the ride with no great sense of accomplishment, only a desire to get back on my road bike for a few months and get my legs and lungs back a little before again attempting this steep, technical terrain.
One response to “MISERY”
Well kudos to you ’cause you are actually out there DOING something! Good to see you back on your bike! Soon Donna will be joining you, even more to look forward to:-)