Hey guys, how you been?
Oh, right...
It's been a while...
A lot has happened in the past six years. SIX years... Since I was hit by a car while training for GFNY. SIX years since I competed in anything but OCR. SIX years that included surgeries and mental fatigue. SIX years during which I became a Kayak Tournament Angler.
Oh, and I turned sixty.
The salt and pepper is fast tracking it to the top half of Mt. Fuji...
Some cyclist, and for the life of me I can't remember who, said, "It's easier to maintain speed than to get up to speed..."
Take that pic above, insert that quote and there's your meme ready for posting. I've started riding again and whenever I'm on the bike I feel amazing. But sometimes getting out there takes more effort than the actual ride. Although the actual ride ain't no walk in the park either. Back in the day, I use that term way too often these days, a short ride was an hour before work leaving the days off for the 5 hour distance rides.
Now an hour is about my limit. But I'm working on it. I put myself through a LT Threshold test before the weekend after finally finding my HR monitor strap stashed deep down in a closet I have little reason to go into. 158... That's the #.... According to the experts that # will likely go up with increased activity anywhere from 5 to 10 beats. Test often they say... This one almost killed me.
They also say count all the little victories. Here's one I posted on my IG account @fishfit10k
After a bunch of years I put the rack back on the car. I thought that was a reason to celebrate. I guess it is. I did drive to a local state park and put in a session after getting the rack on. I guess there is some symbolic victory to this.
I texted an old riding buddy of mine and talked about targeting GFNY 2021. The prospect of it is energizing. The reality of it not so much. Sometimes I wish the desire to ride was just no longer there. But it is... I miss it but have no idea where I fit in any of this any longer.
It used to be a community I thrived in and amongst; Clubs, teams, group rides, all of it. Now? I often feel like a cliche... Just another guy trying to relive the glory days.
But when I ride... I'm flying again. That sense of freedom and empowerment at being your own engine and waiting on your bike while a train goes by, feeling the road rumble and the wind rush through you.... Yeah, it's like that.
And maybe that's enough, just to ride for the joy of riding. But that's never been who I am.
I got back into fishing a few years ago and after one season dove into Kayak Tournament Fishing. These contests, competitions always seem to give me a sense of purpose and reason. This stays relevant to whatever I am passionate about.
So here I am. Working to get back up to speed with no idea where I'm going. And maybe that's okay. Riding has always been a way to be with my thoughts and sort things out. I guess that's irony? Riding my bike to figure out the purpose of riding my bike.
And just for old time's sake here's Gran Fondo NY 2011. The inaugaral edition;
Glory Days, isn't it ironic?
May the road rise up to meet you...
