Mountains Of Motivation (and Lemmy)

I was looking forward to a trip to the mountains on Saturday, even though I had no idea how the trails would be after all of the thunderstorms the area got over the past few days. Even though I was looking forward to going, I found myself again, sitting around drinking coffee and feeling unmotivated to get my ass in gear. BUT I knew if I didn't ride, I would be a crank-puss all day and pretty much annoy anyone and everyone I would come in contact with.

So downed another cup of coffee, grabbed my bottles, bike, and chamoised up before I lost any motivation. Before I knew it I was in the xB hurling myself towards the mountains. Motivation came on as I hit the turnpike and I found my fingers spinning the iPod's wheel to Artists: Motorhead, All Songs.

Now all is good. I'm in the mountains, motivation is up, and the temps are cool(er). So let it begin....

The trails were muddy in places, but tacky overall. The forest roads were packed down pretty good, and I ran into a few riders that clued me into some other single track trails in the area. Nice to know there is so much left to explore. But that would be another day.

I took Auckerman Road down the mountain to avoid the muddiest horse trashed parts of Mountain Streams. On the way down a chunk of rock flies up, cracks me in the shin and cuts me. Nice. I have the muddies, most horse shit covered trails to ride yet and I have open cut on my leg. Hello gangrene.

My only goal today was to go back to my pace for riding the climbs and not push gears that will just tire my legs and back too soon during a race. I pushed my pace at the 101 and paid for it by the half way point. So I'm going back to my slow and steady technique. I achieved that goal today. I have been a few minutes slower on the climbs, but when I got to the top of the two biggest climbs of the day, I felt fresher.

So 3 hours in the saddle later, I was glad I found the motivation to get my ass to the mountains. Once home, it was a quick trip to the store to get the fixings for some Cheezy Mexican Rice & Bean Nacho Bake, and some porch time with Wifey, B-Man, and a Hop Devil or four.

Good week in the saddle. Taking today off, visiting with my Dad and getting B-Man ready for his first day of Kindergarten tomorrow. Not sure who is more nervous about his first day, me or Wifey? 'Cause I'm pretty certain that B-Man is not that nervous at all. ;)

Later.