Mission accomplished

It was supposed to be a nice sunny day today.
Nope.
The plan was to head out on a ride at about noon Monday, but as I looked out my windows all I could see was the occasional bit of hazy sun through some dark, stormy looking clouds.

Should I stay or should I go?

Well, since you are reading a post here I gather that you have figured out how I answered that question. I did the right thing. I rode, figuring what would be the worst thing that could happen...a downpour? Been there. Done that. Lets ride.

About a mile or so in the plan came together. I'd only go old school on a short 26-mile Loomis and back route, but I'd do it fast, pushing to see if I could come up with a little better average speed for a change. Plus, the faster I go on a short route the quicker I am finished and the less chance there would be for me to get stuck in the rain.

Big ring. Hard tempo at times, just like Saturday, only this time there were no carrots dangling in front of me to act as incentive. This one I did all by myself. By the second half when I started to tire I kept up the effort in Root River Parkway with the voice of Johan in my head. I could hear him telling me in my earpiece, "Come on Phil. You can do it. Keep up the pace. Allez, allez Phil. You can do it. Come on!"


I wonder if that's what he actually yells to his riders from the team car. I'll have to ask "Matty Hollywood" Busche about that.


Anyway, I made the effort like the old days. Rather than just ride, I rode today in the hopes of seeing a better average speed than normal. For the first time in a long time when I was finished and turning off my computer it was with great anticipation that I flicked through the options to get to the 'average speed' display.


It did it.
16.4
Mission accomplished.


Hazy sun, black clouds mix
84 degrees
Wind 5-10
Loomis, 26 miles (16.4 ave. speed)


To think, I was going to blow off the ride because of dark clouds too! I only felt a few drops six blocks from the end. That's it. Glad I made the right choice today.


Season Miles: 1,494