Memorial Ride

Well, as mentioned in the previous post, today was the anniversary of my father's death (sounds rather morbid, but that's what it is). With that in my, I set out for a long, leisurely ride in remembrance of him, with the eventuality of visiting my brother.

Initially I had hoped to do a once around the Red Rock scenic loop, but I was ill prepared. After riding a distance that I haven't done in a 24 hour span in nearly a year, my body was not permitting any more. Since I have been rather lazy in my training and haven't been doing the distance that I once considered minuscule, my labors weren't as fruitful as I had expected. It was further exacerbated by the fact that I was riding commuter style, with laptop bag, books, and various other items, easily adding 30 lbs to my curb weight and making the uphill that much harder.

Nonetheless, I had a lovely ride that challenged me physically and emotionally. I spent all day reflecting on the person that raised me, provided for me, and loved me nonstop until he could do that no longer.

There was only one snafu when a few kids decided to try and scare me, but that didn't go as planned. I whipped out my U-Lock as I passed them with hopes they would try me. It's probably for the better that they just freaked out and sped off. On that note, keep an out for some teenagers in a current-gen white Civic sedan with the Nevada plate 622-UNX, I made certain to memorize that when they first flew by me, just in case.

Of course the day started with my brief commute to work from home, and then after work I went in three legs. First I stopped at my LBS (Peloton Sport Bicycles) to get some proper riding shorts to prevent the loss of sensation in my nethers. I then made a push for Starbuck's to acquire an iced coffee and Burrito Mexicano from Baja Fresh, both located next to each other in the Boca Park shopping center. The final leg is always the most demanding, having the longest ascent, but thankfully a nice downhill stretch ride before the final destination.

I am going to try and take more photos, somehow, while commuting. I only had chance to grab a few today, but sharing is caring. I love how the bike lane symbol is skewed by the iPhone's relatively slow image capturing capability. maybe someday I'll get a proper compact camera. I also need to figure out how to do those nice little photo applets that so many bloggers incorporate into posts.



Morning Ride Stats:
Distance: .6 miles
Average speed: 11.0 mph
Max speed: 17.5 mph
Overall time: 3:40

Morning Temperature: 70˚


Afternoon Ride Stats:
Leg 1: 5.7 mi
Average speed: 11.9 mph
Max speed: 22.7 mph
Overall time: 28:49

Leg 2: 3.0 mi
Average speed: 10.9 mph
Max speed: 22.9 mph
Overall time: 16:35

Leg 3: 5.5 mi
Average speed: 9.8 mph
Max speed: 26.6 mph
Overall time: 33:22

Afternoon Temperature: 83˚

Today's distance: 14.8 mi

Now I am off to rest, looking forward to the 98% downhill 11.7 mile ride home in the wee hours of the morn'. It is always invigorating and easily done single stretch, but I'll likely stop for a fix. somewhere near home.