Not Passing A Stone & Relaxing

Saturday a.m. the plan was to at least get a ride in on the trainer before Wifey and I headed up to Hidden Valley for some "we time". The thing was, I had about as much desire to spend two hours on the trainer as I did to pass an acorn sized kidney stone.

We had got about an inch or so of snow overnight and the roads were pretty sloppy, so a road ride was out. I figured it was either a ride on the snow covered rail trail, or time on the trainer. I chose the rail trail. In THEORY it was a good idea. In reality it was sort of a bad idea. The snow we got was pretty wet. It made for some SERIOUSLY SSSSLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLow RPMs on the trail. Imagine doing one giant, continuous, big ass seated climb.

It WAS one a hell of a work out though. So I can't bitch too much. I can't say for sure HOW good it was, since my heart rate monitor went all Britney on me. That REALLY chapped my ass! My HR would go from 150 to 280. Yeah, that's right 280!! What the f*ck? What am I, a rabbit on speed with a blossoming crystal meth habit?? Oh well, in the end I lasted 1:45. 15 Min. short of my goal, but it sort of beat riding the trainer. OK, IMHO it sucked. I wish I would have rode the trainer. Sort of.

Check my Tifosi glasses above. This was after a 1 minute "nature brake". Holy freaking fog/sweat ballz. As you can see. even though there were cold temps and snow I was pumping out the sweat. I didn't take my bike computer today (thankfully), but If I had, I'm sure I would have been registering an uber fast 10 mph speed. I would have been better off to save myself for a road ride in today's 40 degrees and sun, but you do shit when you can do shit, right?

Anyone for a frozen Pepper?

The Mamasita collected her share of slush today. I always feel so guilty taking my pride and joy out in the snow and slush. I owe her I'm sure. We talked towards the end of the ride and she seemed to think that I could make it up to her by doing a Marathon or two on her this season. Of course I don't want to lose her, so I made some promises I hope I can keep ;)

I sucked down some Zym Catapult during the ride. In my opinion, NOT as tasty as the Lemon/Lime Endurance formula but still damn good and nice to get a kick in the junk with some caffeine. I also used some Lemon/Lime Nuun. Both bottles were nearly empty at the rides end. For the record I attempted to use Motor Tabs, but they were DQed from the test because after 10+ minutes the tab had STILL not dissolved. I checked the web site today and they do say that you can break the tab (which is pretty huge) in half to speed up the time it takes to dissolve. I did not do this. I will attempt again tomorrow, but I will have a back up Zym or Nuun ready for sure. Not a good start Motor Tabs! I checked some Motor Tab stats. Looks like they have 14 grams of sugar. That would rule out use in the pack (enter one sticky, skanky bladder). AND if they can't dissolve quicker, rule out use during a race. Like I want to fart around while my drink dissolves! Think again Motor Tabs.

I guess it was nice to be outside. I long for warm temps though. I'm sure they're coming, but daddy's getting anxious!

Part II

After the ride, clean up, etc., Wifey and I were off to Hidden Valley for some "one on one time". We had a great time. The rooms at the Inn at Hidden Valley are very nice. but I'm not sure we'll be going back anytime soon. Lets just say, for the money, we've had better stays at Red Roof Inns, Holiday Inn Express, tents, cars, etc., The rooms were about as sound proof as a paper bag. Not to be too disgusting (not that that has ever stopped me) but I heard every piss someone took in the rooms above/beside ALL night!! Yeah, that was REAL relaxing. It was like sleeping between two urinals. Sounds so "life like" I thought I felt some "urinal spatter".

After we checked in, and relaxed a bit, we went to the Hidden Valley John Harvard's Brew House for some refreshments and food. The Pale Ale was excellent. If you think it reminds you of Stoudt's Pale Ale, you would be right. Because THAT is what it is. The bartender told us they haven't got the "go ahead" to brew on premises yet, so Stoudt's hooks them up with kegs of their Pale Ale. Worked for me, since I love Stoudt's Pale Ale, but it seems a tad sucky. We had a freaking great time though.

It was nice to be able to hang with Wifey and not have to worry about being back to pick up B-Man at a certain time. and to talk about stuff and not be interrupted. B-Man means the world to us, but sometimes you just gotz to make time for each other, or you can lose sight of life's BIG picture. That "big picture" being if Wifey and I are not happy, how can we create a happy, loving environment for B-Man?

In the past few years, Wifey and I have been through a lot. There were times when you would find yourself saying "how is this EVER gonna work??" But when you love someone, and have created a life with someone, you find a way to make it work. This weekend was good for us. We plan to do more in the future. Getting away and spending time away from your kid(s) does not mean you don't love them. Sometimes you just need to recharge, and be with the person you have shared more thoughts, loves, and dreams with than anyone in your entire life. Take the time. You'll be glad you did.

To leave you with one last final blast of "mushyness", I give you this.- Wifey recently asked me why I love her, when she's really not "in" to the many of my same things that I am. Like riding, racing etc., I said one big reason was because when I came in to my pits at the Seven Springs 24 Hour race last year at about 2 a.m. to get some food, I looked down and saw her sleeping on the ground, under about 3 sleeping bags. Cold, sleeping on the ground, waiting to help me. All so I could finish 5th. How do you thank someone for that?? Give your partner a kiss tonight and thank them for letting you be YOU.

I hope you all had a great weekend. Time to go do my dad/husband thang with my fam.

Later.