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A Good Day Despite

4/12/2018

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My legs didn't have it for today's planned activity.  I drove my car to 7 Cataracts parking at mile 9, coasted down the mountain and headed up at 9:00am.  Wind was out of the southeast so that is against me but would not turn to a favorable southwest until around 11:00am and by then, the temperature would be closing on 90 degrees.  
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Lot of other cyclists on this Wednesday, probably because the forecast for the next two days is very strong winds. Whether you are headed up or down, 90% of approaching cyclists give you a wave or thumb's up.  Great camaraderie among strangers sharing a special time.
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The views as always are magnificent and all these images were taken while coasting down.  I reached my car on the way up, gobbled a Cliff bar (I like the white macadamia version) and although I set a new PR to this point, I just did not have it today.  Above Windy Point Vista at mile 14 and with 7 miles to go I thought about spitting the bit.  I did a mental calculation and did not think I would even beat my previous best, let alone the unserious notion of beating Tom D's time.  
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At San Pedro Vista and with 2 miles to go, I noted my legs had quit a couple miles earlier but I kept them turning, just not rapidly.  I passed a couple riding mountain bikes and all geared up but barely passed.  I reached the 21 mile summit above Palisade Gift Shop and instead of taking the remaining 5 rolling miles to Summerhaven, I turned and coasted back to the car. The legs felt awful.  I think my food intake of yesterday had something to do with it.
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Reaching home, I put the "effort" on Strava and so I did beat my previous best but only by 6 minutes.  With 6800 recorded efforts, a good percentage around my time, improving by 5 minutes jumps me 500+ spots so maybe I will go back next week. On the way down.....
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....I stopped at Geology Vista Point and talked to a couple who were hanging out, from Illinois.  Always fun talking to tourists.  I need a couple of days off and so, I will go cycling jersey shopping!!!  More to come on that front.
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    Mark is a long-time cyclist, hiker, golfer and plays some table tennis...ok, it's ping pong.

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