31 mile warmup
**Note: two posts today… I’m feeling prolific.**
Miles ridden: 31
Time: 1:56
Pace: 16.4
HR: 155/189
Perceived effort: 6
Number of times the batteries died in the GPS: 1
Number of flats: 1
After working in the basement for the morning, cleaning and lubing the bike and getting a horribly unsatisfying roast beef sub at Subway, I went for a ride in this glorious spring weather. I don’t know why I keep going to Subway, it always disappoints.
I took a new route, one I’ve never traveled before. Well, at least the first five miles. This time it was a climb up Corinth Mountain Road. This climb is a mere three miles from my house–but I never attempted it. It’s a) very, very steep, b) very twisty, and c) highly trafficked. The traffic was the biggest reason to avoid it. But it really wasn’t that bad. It’s about a 450′ climb I think and front-weighted. Meaning, the worst of it is at the beginning, then it levels out. Unlike climbing Lake Desolation which has its worst at the 3/4 point.
After the climb, it was a casual spin over to the base of Desolation, then back on Middle Grove Road and Daniels Road. Several of these roads will be on the ride tomorrow.
Another flat tire. I don’t like these Slime brand Skabs 
(reviews to corroborate my view). They don’t hold well. From now on I’m going to be sticking to the old fashioned tube-o-crap and patches. Patches!? We don’t need no stinkin’ patches! Those have never failed on me—they’re just more work. One of the two air canisters I had in my seat pack was already used. Good thing I found out now and not tomorrow. I only had the one canister to inflate the tire and be on my way. Of course, I was in the most remote point of the ride when the flat occurred. It would have been a looong walk back. With cycling shoes no less.
I forgot the camera and regretted it. There were several picture-worthy items. My favorite was an antique, rusted out typewriter on someone’s front lawn. It was just sitting there in the middle of the lawn. Words have long since deserted it. Now it communes with nature on a wordless, corroded and decaying level. This typewriter is worth a drive back JUST to get the picture. This image is marginally similar until I get the actual shot (pun intended.) There was also a barn with worn unpainted boards. Sightly off-center and on the second story was a painted door with a wreath on it. The door was little island of decoration and attention to detail in an otherwise antiseptic exterior barn wall.
The roadies were out in full force. When I was cleaning the bike in the driveway, 4 or 5 must have ridden by, and I saw just as many while out on the road. The superior weather has made us burst forth like brightly garbed clowns from a Volkswagen.
It’s 8pm now and I have to seriously think about hitting the hay. Getting up at 3am is forcing this unusual bedtime.
Unrelated photo
Jenny was trying to help me in the basement but only served to create a Family Circle-esque trail.
8 Comments to 31 mile warmup
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“The superior weather has made us burst forth like brightly garbed clowns from a Volkswagen.”
GREAT line! And you MUST remember to get the typewriter shot; a good one could win awards :).
Are flats typical?
Oh my god! I loved the Family Circle.
Great comparison.
Corinth Moutain Road, is that a bit if nose thumbing?
Wow, you had quite a day didn’t you? And I agree you do have to get a pic of the typewriter, and don’t forget the barn!!!! I love old barns, have many photos of them and one day hope to compile all in a “coffee table” book. Sad the barns are far and few these days!!!
Up that hill, I was huffing and puffing just reading about it!!!
Flat tires, yikes that has to be a royal pain on an otherwise perfect ride!!!
Kurt, I live right near Corinth Mountain Road (near West Mountain Ski Area)… are we neighbors? I wonder how come I have never run into you????? We should start doing some training rides if that is the case.
Ciao~
Buck
You must be extremely busy what with work, the basement, biking and running, missing your blogs!!!
Too bad you didn’t have your camera, those definitely sound like they would’ve made some interesting pics!
Subway?? Don’t you know any better….I’m personally not a HUGE fan of the place!! As for the camera deal…how dare you forget it? You know take lessons from my Aunt Sherry…NEVER leave home without it!! You never know what you will run into!