Back on the bike after two days

I have been chomping at the bit to get back to riding the last couple of days. My bike was in at Rivercity bicycles for the last couple of days getting it's 30 day maintenance (when you buy a new bike from Rivercity you get to take it back 30 days later and they do a tune up to check for cable stretch and re lube everything). I think they threw brand new brake pads on when they did it, they sure look like new ones.

So I rode home from work today after taking my truck back to the lot. Beautiful day for a ride too, lots of sun but not too hot out. I decided to try and push myself today since I didn't have most of the extra stuff I pack with me on the bike (laptop, small backpack with clothes, etc). I hit the road and kept what I felt to be a good pace. I finally managed to make it the entire three miles without taking a rest stop along the way. Three hill climbs along the route as well. The entire trip only took me 10 minutes today, that's an 18mph average for the trip. I was pretty winded by the time I got home but rather proud of myself for making it the whole way without a stop. Making that trip without stops was the first of my short term goals.

Tomorrow I am doubling my ride, I have to ride both to work and back home. That'll be 6 miles for me, the farthest I have ridden in a long time. Of course I do get to split that in half with 8 hours in between each ride but it is 6 miles in a day. Plus I will have all that extra junk I usually carry so I will take it a little easier than the pace I set today.

I joined a social bicycling group a couple of weeks ago. The most active members I have communicated with so far are in much better shape than me but very supportive of my efforts and goals. I look forward to the day when I can join in on some of the more difficult rides that they do. I definately feel like I am seeing progress with my rides. Even after that fast pace I kept getting home I felt fine after just a 10 minute rest. I definately need to start lengthening my rides already.

I want to thank all my family and friends who have been so supportive of me over the last few weeks, it has really helped me keep in the saddle on those cold days that we are still getting.