May having 31 days was helpful. The last being a holiday, even more so. Knowing that I was within striking distance of a new milestone, I got up this morning after an evening of thunderstorms and downpours to a less than 15% chance of rain, and even that decreasing by the hour. So why not?
I needed 41 miles to reach 600 total for the month of May. Saturday’s 70-miler put me over my previous high, so anything else would be a record for me, but 600 is a nice, even number. And it has a “6” in front of it instead of a “5,” so it was worth a shot.
So this morning, I paid the in-laws a visit — an activity that would include at least one good climb, considering Korean cemeteries are by tradition on hills and mountains. The long way out would be 22 miles, and the return ride 20, so I knew it would be enough. Plus I hadn’t been there for quite some time. Maybe a little scouting to see what it might take to clean up the graves this summer.
Being in the hills as it is, the view is also incredible and the area is so peaceful. I like to go there with Micha sometimes and just sit and look out over the valley while she pulls weeds. The air was fresh from last night’s rain, and of course the uphill means there’s a down, so the ride back started at a good clip.
Maybe I’m a bit tired from Saturday’s ride, so 42 was plenty enough for me today. In any case, I’m not sure I’ll pass this record any time soon, but this is my second month in a row over 500, so we’re on pace for a good year whether I do or not.
