I've been out putting big hours in since the weekend, ran rampant over the spectrum ride and then 200k on sunday. i was loving every minute of it! it's so warm and sunny now, i think spring has finally started. my tan lines are returning cuz i can finally ride in shorts and jersey, no need for even shoe covers even though my feet get cold easy.

there's nothing like a bright sunshine to let you know your bike is SUPER dirty. i saw quite a few spackled and dull rides in the group, and then i looked at my own and realized it's time to bring out the hose. I'm kinda used to cyclocross, where dirty means there's flora and fauna hanging off your bike and you can't identify brands of componentry via label or shape. and when you're riding in the rain as much as i do, washing a bike is counter-productive as all it really does is make sure you inject dirt into your cables and wash the lube off your chain. Needless to say, my bike is super shiny and clean now and looks like a million bucks.

I've been working on my AT abilities, trying to get the body used to going hard again. i've been able to ride easy and moderate paces for a long time now, but getting the heartrate up and then leaving it up after a few months easy can be a shock to the system. as with any training change, the first few times are unreasonably hard and then the adaption sets in and you can suddenly take the extra pressure. i'm just pushing through the "unreasonable" part right now.

I'm looking forward to my first race in Redlands. I've always liked racing there, and i think a big part on it is the host family i've stayed with for the past three trips. The Bennetts have opened their house to us several times and are a joy to stay with. They recently had their first child, and i automatically figured we would have to find something new, but they've been able to swing it and we're back in. I'm very much looking forward to it.

Cheers, BJM