A Good Day Despite

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.  

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.

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.  

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.

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.....

....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.