May 3rd (Afternoon)
Well, it blew and howled in the morning, throwing around rain and even snow. But then the sun came out (winds were still high) a bit. The good news is that it never hit the 90km/h winds they were predicting. In fact, during my ride home, there were no winds at all really! Better no winds than a head wind I always say. Actually, I’ve never said that ‘till now. Whatever.
The ride home was really good, I felt strong and fast with really no fatigue. Going down into Peterson’s creek was great, after all the moisture we’ve received lately (not lots, but enough to firm up the trail). For the first time yet... (drumroll please) I made ALL the switchbacks going down! After making the first one, I let out a whoop in triumph only to come around the next bend and just about run over a hiker... Oops! I’m sure he thought I was a bit off level, but no worries. I didn’t think I’d make the next switchback, but I’m not sure if it was the confidence of just making the last one for the first time, or the fact that the hiker was still watching me probably wondering what I was on and how he could get some, but I managed that one as well! I couldn’t help but let out another whoop, although I made sure this one was much more manly sounding... :) I just about didn’t make the third switchback as the bike was tossed around a bit in the sand. I pulled my foot out, but never actually touched down, so that, to me, is still a success!
Going up Peterson’s was pretty good. I made a bit more on each stretch, and I figure I’m close to walking only 1/4 of the way now (down from 1/3 before). I still made 4 stops, but I think I’m getting close to not having to stop near the top where typically take my last break. Soon I think!
Frolek’s land was still brutal. Some sections have been packed down nicely by truck traffic, and then others are even deeper sand. One bit was close to 6 inches deep (I checked after I pretty much endo’d in it and had to get off and push). The transition to my trail is even worse now, about 8 feet or more of sandy cliff-like edge to climb up with my bike over my shoulder. But, the pipeline section was really good, I made it up the 2nd to last peak and 1/2 way up the last one. I then also decided to connect back onto the pipeline trails I had discovered this weekend between Rose Hill and Juniper rather than the main path. It was a bit slower, more technical, but a lot of fun. More work, as there was a lot of up and down as it follows the terrain. But no people running or walking their dogs! :) My time was still about 43 minutes total, so it didn’t add much for time and only about 1/4 of a kilometre more in distance. But so much more fun!
May 4th (Morning)
Well, from the moment I jumped on the bike I knew it was going to be a long ride. I felt tired immediately. I’m not sure why, I haven’t felt this bad yet, even when I was running low on motivational fuel! But even just climbing out of Juniper on Qu’Appelle was tough. The ride down to Valleyview via the trail network that I’ve been using was as fun as ever, but I still bailed on the steep section. Jeepers!!! Tomorrow... But then I hit the pavement and instantly felt tired. I made it to the bus stop in record time... record WORST time that is of 21 minutes! It was cold, but I don’t think that was an issue. From TRU to work I was hurting, but still made it in 28.5 minutes which is right on par with my times for this route. However, even with the fatigue, I never stopped nor used the granny gear. Hopefully this passes! Maybe that little extra “oomph” up Peterson’s creek, or the extra riding between Rose Hill and Juniper last night did me in a bit? Or is it simply due to less sleep with the baby now? I also forgot to stretch before leaving, but I’ve only just started doing that really. Whatever was the cause, I do hope I feel much better tomorrow and the rest of the week!
It’s a beautiful sunny morning with little clouds in the sky, and the rest of the week is supposed to be like this, so I’m looking forward to it!
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