The Putah Creek Smack Down started March 16. I didn't make it -- mostly because I was showing property, but if I wasn't a wee bit afraid I'd've had my partner fill in for me.
This week, however, I had a plan. Sunday after our shop ride I got fitted to a time trial bike, an Argon. Then Monday I rode it about 15 miles, stopping whenever I needed to tweak the fit. Chris brought his multi-tool and was Johnny-on-the-spot with fit tweaking. At the end of the ride, although I felt kind of like a lawn dart, I was dialed in.
So Wednesday evening I was on my own and overcompensated by taking bike lights and pepper spray. Yeah, I know. I got a power-nap, a 5 Hour energy drink, and an hour's head start to prepare. Just what I needed.
The Argon didn't fit on my trunk-rack, so I ditched the rack, put the front wheel in the trunk and the rest of the bike in the back seat, and headed to Winters. In a month I'll be riding to the start and riding home, but there isn't enough daylight now. I parked, put the bike together, registered (I was #29, like my mental age) and hit the road for a warm up. I did 9 mi. downwind and 9 mi. against the wind to the start.
I warmed up at high intensity and got to the start too far in advance -- easily 16 min. before my time. My legs had enough time to accumulate lactate so when I started I was in pain for the first mile. Nevertheless I hit a gear and bore down. I found myself slacking 3 times pushed back to my limit 3 times.
The Garmin told the story: 10 miles, avg. HR 159, 27:32 ride time.
Results yesterday showed 27:29, a personal best for me. I rode this on my Orbea non-aero bike 2 yrs. ago in 27:32, in July, so to beat that time so early in the season is a big deal. To say I'm pleased is an understatement. I'm stoked!
Road race next week -- will I be crowing or eating crow? Stay tuned!
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