Feeling groovy

It's great to be back on the bike!

Here's what I discovered this past week:

* I needed the 31 days off the bike. As hard as it was to not ride for that long, my body is very appreciative of the extended break.

* Given how excited I am to be back on the bike, I had a very hard time sticking to the training plan last week.

* I am not as out-of-shape as I thought I was going to be. You were right Lorri!

* I have no top end. No surprise there.

* I am tired of riding and training in Marin. The terrain, road conditions and traffic are MUCH better in the south bay than in the north bay. I guess that means I'll be driving around with my bike a lot this Fall/Winter.

* I love climbing and descending as much as ever.

* I still need to find the love for the flats.

* This time of year it's better to ride a little later in the morning after the weather has warmed up a bit.

* Saddles never feel great when you've been off them for a while, but I might have been better off waiting a week or two before trying out, and breaking in, a new saddle. After tipping the nose up, then down, and inching the saddle forward over the course of several days, I think I finally dialed it in and found the sweet spot. Phew, what a relief. That was a rather painful and unpleasant process.

* I much prefer riding with friends than riding on my own.

* No matter the brand, flavor, texture or nutritional benefits, I still don’t like bars. I've got a serious sampling program going on right now, but a winner has yet to emerge.

* I love riding in the fall. It's great to get out and see the foliage. The yellow colors are amazing.

I am happy.

I love being back on my bike.

Life is good.