Every so often I get one of those perfect rides. The energy’s right, the aches and pains are held at bay, no real struggles.
Today was that kind of day. I don’t know how I pulled it off, other than my typical speculation — I did the ride alone, at my own pace. I was able to stop when I wanted and eat when I wanted — it was all “just right.”
It probably started with my ride home from church. Good pace, the lights were with me, a good warm-up to get me started. So I got home and got ready — no delay. I was on the road in less than 30 minutes. And then I stumbled on something in the way of nutrition that I’m hoping will be a good pattern in the future. I usually carry something high-energy in case I start flagging out there and hit a wall. Part of that kit is Clif Blocks Energy Chews. I’d had 4 of them leftover (they come in packs of 6) from a ride quite some time ago. About 15 miles in, I ate one. Well, actually, as what usually is the case when the weather’s still a bit chilly, I sucked on one for a while to soften it up. Then about 5 miles later, I had a second one. By this time, I’m good and warmed up, so the energy was just right. On top of that, it turns out these chews are also caffeinated. I’ve been off caffeine for a few weeks now and I’m plenty happy with that, but spacing them out really hit the spot — didn’t crank me up too much. Just gave me a little extra. I had one more about 10 miles later, and that took me home just fine. Felt like I could’ve done the fondo (ended up around 43 miles), but it as just as well I didn’t overdo it. Don’t want to ruin a good thing.
And then to cap it all off, I stopped by the car wash just before I got home and gave my bike a good rinse to get the mud and dust of the last few rides off. Got home and dried it off, and will wait a bit to lube the chain. I’m also going to move the seat up about a half-centimeter and see what that does for my setup.
Overall, an excellent day. The kind I’ll be shooting for as much as I can as it starts to warm up and as I continue to get in shape. I’m down 14 pounds over the past month or so, so everything’s looking up.