Training Log Archive: PG

Warm and sunny afternoon. Up the river to check if the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks in Montague is finished -- it's not -- then back via Cave Hill and Leverett. Pretty nice ride. Best part was catching a fellow part way up Cave Hill and chatting the rest of the way, made it seem like suddenly we were at the top without much effort.

But then maybe we were just going slowly.

C • HR stayed up 1

On Mt. Toby again, this time up South Mt., back via North Mt. And then even did a bit of cleaning of the chain when I got back, very much needed (and does the rest of the bike).

Well, I had such a good time in early afternoon on Mt. Toby -- which I decided to do as a substitute for joining the local O' gang at Earl's Trails -- that I changed my mind and headed off to Earl's Trails anyway. Not to orienteer, but for the expected dinner afterwards. And took my bike to venture out on the trails.

Which was OK, except I didn't heed my own advice, which was to stay on the big trails and off the little winding ones. Because they have been mostly too hard for me in the past.

Funny enough they still are. Lots of places with short but steep ups or downs, with lots of roots and sharp corners and narrow corridors through the trees. Got to be a lot better biker than I am. I figure I got off the bike a dozen times voluntarily and a couple more times that weren't planned. Could have done without the latter, though I don't think any serious damage was done. And perhaps I've learned my lesson.

But the dinner company was excellent -- George and Lyn, Ken, Charlie, Steve R, and Phil. Nice to catch up a bit.

C • Or maybe just a little bit better? 2

Mid-50s, light rain, same route as yesterday (N Mt., Sugar to gate, down to river, up Gunn, down N. Mt.). A little less chicken on the steeper descents but still being very careful. Another fine outing.

Out on the mountain bike between bouts of rain (the road bike is getting a little maintenance done). Everything was wet but not too much mud. Had a great time.

Changed things so I now have just flat pedals and it's much better, don't have to worry about getting the feet out, or back in. I think it makes it much safer, plus I was just being careful, especially on the rocky downhills. The only other thing I need to do is get a different rear tire, one with better traction. The current one slips (going up and down) too easily.

Quite a bit of mud on me by the time I was done. :-)

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Spent the last four days in Austin, funeral for my sister-in-law's mom. Good trip.