Actually...1,038 miles and counting as of this morning. I just got in from a brisk 25-mile ride on a cold May morning in the Colorado Rockies. I love riding in morning. It's a great way to start the day (especially burning 1,232 calories!).[Above: The green pastures and registered polled herefords of Statter Ranch at the corner of Perry Park Road/Hwy 105 and Tomah Road]
I rode the same route last night after work and put in 20 on Sunday, giving me 70 miles so far this week (I count Sunday as the first day of the week). Unfortunately I think that's all I'm going to get this week with work and travel interfering with my training! But no worries, with one month to Ride the Rockies I'm well ahead of where I was last year at this time (about 400 more miles in the saddle!).
After a snowy April and wet start to May (at least on the weekends), the weather finally warmed up enough for a good ride this past Saturday with my new riding buddies from the New Hope Cycling Group (a group of riders affiliated with New Hope Presbyterian Church in Castle Rock). It was bit chilly but sunny Saturday morning as we headed out for a strong 38-mile loop in and around Castle Rock.Sunday (Mother's Day) turned cold and damp again but I was determined to ride outside so wound through Castle Rock for a casual 20 miles. The time I spent on the trainer is paying off as I finally get back out on the road. My legs feel good.
And my high protein, low carbon footprint diet (lot's of nutrient rich beef) is paying off, too. I've dropped 15 pounds of winter weight (I'm at my lowest weight in three years) but maintaining important muscle mass. It will be nice not to have to carry that extra weight up Independence Pass this year on Ride the Rockies!
Ride on!
Daren
Fun to learn that you have some new riding buddies from New Hope! Mom
ReplyDeleteDaren,
ReplyDeleteI hope we get to meet each other this RTR! If you get a second check out my blog.
I just passed 1000 outdoor miles this passed week and with some Mountain Training to come-check out www.3mountainmadness.com / I should be in GREAT shape.
Doug Rhodes/Raleigh NC
i enjoyed reading your blog very much - it has been an inspiration to me to recover quickly. i was involved in an accident a couple of weeks ago - a truck driver ignored my right of way through a green light and cut across in front of me, knocking me flying and fracturing my shoulder and breaking my thumb in the process. he didnt even stop. good to see someone who has been through been similar getting back in the saddle and conquering the rockies. good work !!
ReplyDeleteDoug, it was good to meet you on RTR2009!
ReplyDeleteJason, sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you are recovering...and have a good lawyer!
Daren