Got home from work early Thursday so I decided to move my RAMROD test ride up.  I thought I’d sleep better with the work done rather than with the work looming.  100.7 miles, 2,680′ of climbing (not enough), 5:50 total time, 5:39 elapsed*, 17.8 mph, not fast, but very steady.  Spirits flagged in the mid 50’s to low 60’s, same time someone passed me, so I probably turned it up just a little bit.  Recovered shortly thereafter and really felt quite good through the end.  I should have done more climbing, but then I wouldn’t have just beat the sun.  

We have really excellent riding around here.  Besides two quick stops to refill my water bottles, I hit ONE traffic light.  It was a beautiful ride, a long protected wooded trail, farmland, forests, rivers, deer and lots of other animals, and the sun setting behind the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound.  At different times throughout the ride, snow-covered Mount Rainier would pop up in the distance, taunting me, saying, “Come on girlyman, bring it!”  

I got a little emotional down the stretch because I was really taken by the beauty of the Puget Sound, the sun, and the State Capital and I was so appreciative of my small town and especially my health.  I was also proud of my effort.  I had a feeling I could stretch out a ride like that and it felt great to confirm that.  

With a mile to go, with the wind at my back, I got cocky, mentally slipped up, and said to myself, “Bring on the mountain!”  That’s crazy talk.  Now that I’m a veteran of two rides, I can offer RAMROD rule one, respect the mountain.

* Yes, Friday’s 102.8 mile stage of the Tour de France was won in a time of 3:37:09, but you have to add one hour for drafting and one for the PEDs (performance enhancing drugs).