Saturday Ride - My legs felt much better. I had a bit more time so I decided to add a few more miles to the ride. I had been out in the boat all late morning and early afternoon, so I wasn't really sure how much energy I would have for this ride, but it turned out good!

I had to fight about a 15mph breeze much of the way out. It slowed me down less than I expected, but I was using more energy to maintain the pace. The basically flat route helped, but the main difference was that my legs were feeling much better. I kept a nice and steady pace for the first half. No sprinting and no real let ups. I found a hard pace that I felt like I could maintain for a long time. It really worked out well.

As I was riding though the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, I saw 4 beautiful Great White Herons flying just in front of me. I don't know how rare these birds are, but I have never seen them in that part of Vermont. My Audubon Guide Book for Birds has the same description for both the great blue heron and the great white heron. I see great blue herons on almost every ride, so I know they are not unusual. But the great white heron ... Clearly I'm going to have to learn more about these. Very cool.

I stopped at the halfway point for a little bum break and to take on a little water. I felt pretty good considering I was riding against the wind for most of the ride up until this point. The first several miles back into Swanton did not feel particularly fast or wind-aided. But once I got to my route along the lake, I could feel the benefits of the wind. It just felt so easy and comfortable riding that way. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have that feeling all the time??? :-D Again, I focused on keeping the pace steady, not pushing extra hard nor letting up. It seemed to work great. Again, I was tempted to add a few miles but I knew it was getting close to dinner. With people staying with us this weekend, I thought it best to get back.

Another wonderful day and a beautiful ride. I say keep 'em coming!!