

I made a short video of the ride, but honestly, it was just a nice ride on a nice day. You can’t ask for more than that on January 31st in the good, old Midwest.
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February 6th didn’t hold as much promise as the previous weekend, as far as weather was concerned, however last weekend’s ride paled in comparison to the grand tour Velo Junkie had concocted for his special day. He came equipped with cue sheets for a 50 mile loop that encompassed four breweries and several climbs. I was feeling a little more than reluctant. Apprehensive was a better word. Velo had wanted to ride from the house to the start, which would have meant we had to ride home after the event, for a total of 60 miles. I squashed that idea merely by giving him the “don’t-make-me-have-to-hurt-you” look.

I think we were the only people out on that cold morning. I must mention the camaraderie among Velo and his friends. Jim, Mike, Jeff, and even my son, Urban Pedaler, and his friend, Nick, came out to celebrate the Aquarian’s birthday. As we were gearing up in the parking garage Velo was rallying the troops, trying to contain his excitement at the turnout on such an unfavorable day.
What goes up, must come down and the downhill coasting was exhilarating. I had fun in the back filming Urban Pedaler and his friend. I don’t think either had ever soared down Indian Hill before so they were descending in childlike bliss.
After a meatball hoagie and a beer at 50 West my soul was ready to call it quits. My hunger was quashed and my brain had decided it was nice and comfy. Unfortunately I had to get back in the saddle if I wanted to get back to the Subaru. I slowed to a snail’s pace on the hill just a quarter mile west of the Brewery and I never regained enthusiasm. I motored on like a troll on a tractor, each revolution making my legs feel heavier than the last.
Getting stuck alone at several lights and missing a turn, my beautiful, sunny, fun-filled day turned into drudgery. Urban Pedaler hung back with me until we were both unsure which way the group had turned. A quick phone call, a plea for help, and Velo retrieved us. He came upon us laughing because we were a mere block away. Next stop, Blank Slate Brewery. By the time we finished, the sun was getting lower in the sky. My spirits had lifted but my energy had not. I knew my way back to the car so I released the group of their pity for me and made up my mind I would finish, but at my pace. This wasn’t a bonk, mentally I could keep going. This was the result of lack of training during the winter. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

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