Yesterday morning, a couple coworkers and I cycled
a short, morning jaunt.

It was the slowest ride compared to last year's training season because it was a no-drop ride and I was not the slowest rider. The right equipment helps. One of the riders would pick up a couple MPH by wearing decent shoes and tuning up or replacing his bike.

It was a pleasant ride that got us all out in the morning, and an extra 18.30 miles of exercise during the week is a helpful thing. I slept better last night and since have been in a better mood overall.

I have been sitting on my butt too much lately and have started to get grumpy and lethargic. It's interesting how not doing exercise leads to doing less exercise. At some point, you just gotta plant a seed, put a stick in the ground, and water a new habit. Or renew an established one. It's time to repot this plant.

Today's ride:
Union City ride

Arun and I arrived safely in LA. The bikes are already packed up and I look forward to being on the road home. Meow, says my little kitty. My lips have little bumps all over them because I am allergic to the sunscreen ingredients.

I will unlikely do the Ride again next year. Perhaps it is too close to the finish line to make that determination. There are too many riders is my main feedback.

Did the ride change my life? Yes. Why? Because I chose to be a little more healthy and exercise long term. I will take the cycling lessons into my next training plan. Did I find "the answer"? No, but there were some very insightful moments and internal messages. Mostly about my tendency to worry. I will continue with another post later today.

There are thirty miles to the end and we have five hours to do it so I am hanging back quite a bit. I think that I have one blister afterall. I will do more thorough research later. I look forward to being home with Ben and the cats. A nice hot bath and a beer are in my future.

The CHP (California Highway Patrol) closed the route the first time in ALC history. There was a major accident and our permit expired to ride on. We had a four window to ride through that section of the ride. Also, it became too dangerous to ride because of the wet conditions and the number of riders. There are ten of us huddled together trying to keep warm under mylar sheets. The buses are sagging all riders to the next campsite.

Cheers to all the roadies, bike parking folks, etc. who are having a hell of a day. Lastly, thank you to whomever took this photo. It was risky to take that camera out in this rain!