A Day of Challenges

Chris way up front, Pat, Bruce and me following

Route and Ride Data Links:

Strava - Today's Route

Ride Metrics:

Time Total: 4:30:20
Distance (mile): 67.8
VI: 1.44
IF: 0.72
TSS: 225
Work (kj):  1,268
Average Power: 82
Normal Power: 119
Cadence (rpm): 63
Speed Avg (mph): 15

Goal:

Build endurance

Ride Description:

Before heading out my wife asked if I was riding with anyone. I replied I am riding solo. Things changed and what a blessing that things did. I saw Pat at the start, and he asked if I wanted to ride with them. They were already planning to do my usual out and back route. 

All went well and I was able to hold a pace with Pat, Bruce and Chris, but at mile 36 my front tube flatted. Maybe I hit something and pinched the tube. I tried my main backup tube from my pocket, but I put the wrong tube in my pocket with a short stem. Next, I tried a Tubolito tube (orange in the picture) and though it was brand new it was worthless. Another cartridge gone and a new X-lab cartridge valve blew apart. Pat handed me his spare tube and we got that one installed, so they went forward, and I started back. Just less than a mile I got a pinch flat again. I tried the second new Tubolito tube and it also was crap (I'll never buy those again) and would not hold air. Pat and Bruce come back on the return and stop so Bruce looked at one of the tubes and found two holes that he covered with a patch. I made it back, but I was too tuckered out to hold their wheel, so I dropped off the back at 17 miles out. 

I had planned to go solo today, and it turned out to be a huge blessing to be with Pat and Bruce. I am more than grateful because helping me used up a lot of their time and some of their resources. Another thing I did wrong today was not noticing that the last time I used my Garmin 530 I had in indoor mode, which takes it off of GPS to hide your location when training at home. My ride data was recorded by the power meter and speed sensor so at least I got that data, but I am missing the route. 

What did turn out great is my new shoes. Lake CX241 worked out great for me. Nice stiff carbon fiber soles and really great to have a shoe that is easy to get on and off again with a wide toe box to boot. My last of pair are a beast to put on and take off. Super frustrating when you are hot and tired. What was wrong with the old school hook & loop straps? My pair of Giro with Velcro straps were super light felt good and easy to get on and off. The Lake CX241 are super easy as well. Just pull the boa dial and the shoe opens up wide. It is easy to adjust while moving and again stiff soles that one can put torque on those pedals. What is best they did not annoy me. My feeling on bike gear is that it should not be noticed during the ride. If any gear gets your attention, it is typically because it is irritating. I am very happy with this purchase.

Weather:

Temperature Start (F): 58 
Temperature Finish (F): 81
Wind: Calm start, 8 mph S headwind end
Sky: Sunny

Nutrition Intake During and Immediately After:

Bottle #1 24oz. Water, Aminos, Maltodextrin
Bottle #2 10oz. Water, Aminos, Maltodextrin
GU gel at mile 24
GU gel at mile 54
Post Ride: 30 gram protein drink

Gear:

 Felt  IA16