Wet, Windy, Cold 80 Miles

Jeeze, can I catch a break Mother Nature? Now you're including weather.com in your scheming disinformation strategy. Despite a reasonable forecast it was cold, wet and windy... the cycling misery trifecta. Started before dawn with the light, didn't feel terribly cold. But once I got out to the big tunnel it got very cold. Then it started to drizzle which made my feet wet. Which caused them to freeze in the gusty wind. Miserable.

Sudie didn't look like it was bothering her though... she just zoomed!

I met Sam at the big tunnel. He left Iran 43 years ago when he was 20 and has lived her ever since. He hasn't seen his two brothers who collectively have ten children since the 1960's. A geologist and a supremely nice guy, we talked for a while and then rode a few miles. He has two daughters and a number of grandchildren. His wife is a cancer survivor walking in the cancer event today. I continue to have incredible respect for the old folks out on the comet. They just have this appreciation for life. A positive attitude. A perspective and quiet wisdom. I really enjoy talking to them. Each time I do it reinforces my own vision of what I want to be like when I'm 60, 70 and 80 years old.

I bumped up the intensity for the ride back. My right foot was just killing me and I thought the extra heart rate might pump some warmth into it. It did not.

Fastest dog ever. From a dead stop when I passed her at 18mph she caught me, ran beside me, passed me and crossed in front of me. By that time I had gotten up to 24+mph and she hung for another 100 yards or so. Short, stocky dog with a full set of teats. Did not expect the speed or endurance from her. Dog doping? I think so.

No run today. Should have. Just didn't want to.

Fairly dismal pace all day. Am I overtrained? Is the wind just that bad? Am I hopelessly bike unfit? No idea. Not much time to worry about it though. Taper is starting so I need to work enough rest time in to absorb the efforts.

Did I mention how awesome not being cold is?

It's awesome.

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  phone camera pics