Thank god for Andy and iced-cold Pepsi

Turns out I bit off more than I could chew today.

My schedule was open and the weather was great. I decided to put some miles in today....more than usual. I wasn't sure exactly where I would end up, but I headed west with my jersey pockets stuffed with lunch.

All along the plan was to take it easy, thinking maybe I'd even attempt a round-trip out to the lake house and back, which would be 80 miles. Could this have even been the day I attempt my one solo century of the year?

I rode out to Wales feeling fine. After a break to eat the PB&J and banana lunch I packed I hit the trail west again. I stopped to do a good deed, helping a rider I saw west of Wales who was walking with his flat front tire in hand. Turns out he changed his flat but the air cartridge he had didn't work for him....stranded....until I came along because I ride with  a small hand pump on my back. I gave it to him and he pumped up the tire enough to be on his way. So was I then, feeling good about the fact that I could help out a fellow rider in need.

I took Waterville Road just east of Dousman and its rolling hills feeling the energy leaving my body. As I continued it became clear there was no way I was going to ride 80 miles today. I began to struggle.

I had the thought to turn around before making it out to the lake house to make the return trip a little shorter. But that would have left me without the chance to re-fuel on food and beverage at the lake house. I was stuck heading all the way out there.

I made it to the lake but was spent. The thought of riding 40 miles back seemed impossible.

I called my friend Andy on his day off and as luck would have it he was ready, willing and able to drive out and give me a lift home.

That's why I say thank goodness for Andy and ice-cold Pepsi, which sure hit the spot once I got to the house.

Sunny, 82
Wind 8-12
40 miles 

What seemed like it was going to be a great long day in the saddle turned out to be an interesting 40 miles instead.

Who knows why? Some days you just don't bring it. But in my head I thought I was going to be able to.

Still, a 40-mile ride on a beautiful sunny afternoon ain't bad....as long as you've got a good friend on standby to come get you once you crap out!

Season Miles: 1,437