Despite the winter-like weather, a good weekend....

Despite the weather, it turned out to be a good weekend for riding and a good weekend overall. I managed to run errands, spend time helping my grand-nephew celebrate his birthday and relax after a long, dreary work week. (Please note, I love my job but right now is a very frustrating, unpredictable, period in the legislative session.)

I had every intention of riding outside on Saturday and even woke up in the morning and thought “it won’t be that bad outside when I’m ready to ride in the afternoon.” Silly, silly me.

I had a chiropractor appointment at 11:30 and when I got done, there were straight-lying winds and snow. I had planned on doing a three hour ride and really did not want to do it indoors. However, the wind scared me so I decided to opt for the rollers. I had a really hard time staying motivated. Kevin joined me and we watched a really boring movie, which made it worse. He gave up after an hour and I kept going. However, I was ready to quit too but then I had a little reality check/conversation with myself. I decided that if I couldn’t do three hours on the rollers, what makes me think I could do a 12 hour race or a 100 mile endurance event. So, I sucked it up, put the Ipod in my ears and kept at it. I told myself - listen to 10 songs and then rest. Before I new it, it was over. It was hard mentally but I felt great afterwards.

Sunday was a great day. I met my friend Kim and her friend Karen for the Iron Crotch Bike Ride. We opted for the 43 mile ride through the Wisconsin countryside. It was a great ride -- a route with “gently rolling hills” according to Kim. It took about 10 miles to get to the “gently rolling hills” but once we did, it was nice. There was a nasty climb in the first 5 miles. It takes me a long time to warm up and I was definitely not warmed up when we got to that climb. The half-way point of the ride brought us to Osceola, WI where we stopped for a rest and a beverage. We then made our way back to Somerset and onward to Kim’s for some post-ride fuel and beverages. It was good day, spending time outside with friends, riding my bike and having good conversation.

Sunday night Kevin and I went to help my nephew’s house to help his son (believe it or not, I am old enough to have a nephew who has children) celebrate his 8th birthday. It was a lot of fun seeing Damien enjoy his special day.

I hope everyone had a good weekend!

A chilly start to the ride but it ended up being quite pleasant.

Kim tried to make me laugh but this was the best I could give.

What more could you ask for?

One of our travelling companions.

A long grinder up.....

Post ride fueling and rehydration.