Day 133

Day 133: 5 am came early to get ready for a new adventure on a new ride I have never done. Today a few of us rode out of Alpharetta for a 90 mile loop and I had no idea what I was in for. Since we didn't know the route we did have to follow directions we had written out for us, which add a little difficulty but it was manageable. I knew there were some hills and I was happy about that, because right now I need a lot of hill training. About the first 25 miles or so I was pretty happy nice rolling hills and I was able to power right over them! Then we made a turn on Cove Rd that I will never forget. These were not rolling hills, these were nice long climbing hills and I was happy that I just got to the top. I a really starting to see improvement in my hill climbing and every day I am feeling more and more ready for Wisconsin. After reaching the top of all the hills we also had a nice descent down the other side. There was even one hill that as I was going down I was praying that we were not having to reverse course at all because there is no way I would have made it up the hill. The grade and length and switch backs I think I would have said for get it and walk up it even though it would have taken for ever. After finally reaching the end of Cove Rd. it was time to figure out the rest of our route. Once we figured out were we were going it was onward to make the climb up Burnt Mountain. Just as I was happy to get off Cove Rd, it now seemed like Cove Rd was cake when we found out what was in store for us going up Burnt Mountain. Lets just say it is was worse the the first three gaps. At least at the gaps you get a break on top. This was continuous climb for some miles and a lots steeper then the gaps and it just seemed to never end. Just when you thought you were at the top, NOPE it just kept going. The only good thing is that the view at the top was AMAZING!!!! Climbing hills like that makes it so much better when you can enjoy a view to see what you just did. Just like every hill though, what goes up must come down! And boy did I enjoy that ride on the way down. Of course though on the way back we were not out of the water yet with hills. There were still more hills in our future! The best way to describe this course is HILLS, HILLS and more HILLS. Oh wait did I say HILLS? =) The ride over all was an amazing training ride and I am really hoping to ride it again before Wisconsin. It was a very pretty ride and very peaceful. The morning weather was prefect, overcast and a nice temperature. The only time it got bad was in the last 25 miles. The clouds went away and that sun was beating down. For the most part though we lucked out with good weather.

 View from the top of Burnt Mountain!! So Pretty!!!

This week was a really good training week and I am hoping this continues for the rest of my training. I am feeling really strong and ready and I hope I only get stronger these last few hard training weeks.

The bicycle is a curious vehicle.  Its passenger is its engine.  ~John Howard