Summer tan lines (from a bike jersey) = ideal. (I’m married!) :o)

Since my last race in late May, I have been doing a lot of racing…just not the type that gives out money nor improves rankings. I’ve discovered multiple group bike rides that have me just trying to stay on a wheel for dear life…till I get dropped and play catch-up for the rest of the ride. I usually end up with a few others who weren’t fortunate enough to either A.) be in the right place at the right time, or B.) haven’t yet developed (or perhaps are too old to still have) the ability to attack when the front pack jumps…

My endurance seems to be there, but the big jumps semi-close to the beginning usually drop me. By the end, I’ve usually caught back up significantly, and sometimes have even caught some of the 1st pack-ers. But if I do end up with a PR, it usually just places me above another guy in his mid 50s who doesn’t (necessarily) look all that fit, yet is a complete machine on the bike in the midst of heavy winds.

These group rides have reminded me that I like biking! Riding in a group & trying to stick on a wheel is definitely more fun than a grueling ride by myself outside, and infinitely more fun than the tortuous trainer. I’d post a picture if there was a spare moment to take a pic…just think rollers + wind + fields, and you’ll be right on the image.

PS: Simon says…stop at stop signs! Group rides can get pretty sketchy. Some people roll right through stop signs. A few weeks ago, there was a guy who got hit and was taken to the hospital. I’ve watched some go out in front of cars, forcing the cars to screech to a halt…sure, stopping might cost me another place in the overall standings (um, what standings?), but keeps me safe(r) & gives me a little extra burn to feel good about, with the bonus of creating a great way to practice the stop-and-go that is common for draft-legal racing.

In a week, I’ll be coming up to the land of Golden to train with Riptidians! Excited…