Wow! What an awesome morning to get out on the bike. Sunny, low 70's, breezy but not too bad, no humidity! I have spent little time on the bike this year and I forgot just how good I feel when I'm spinning the pedals. It felt good to give the legs a little active recovery. Don't get me wrong, I love me plodding slow long runs, but this felt so good, it was almost dirty!! I rode with Steve, the cyclist I'm helping/coaching. Our goal this morning was a couple steady efforts at approximately race pace with easy spinning between. We took it easy out Cty. E and enjoyed the traffic free roads. When we made the right hander on to Spencer Lake Rd. we picked up the pace. Nothing too crazy, but enough to negate conversation and have him breathing hard. Kept the pace until the little grinder just before East Rd. We took it easy up the nice long climb on East and all the way down to Cty. K. I was hoping for a tailwind down K, but the wind didn't cooperate. Still, I had him push the effort again. Half way in to our effort, Steve had his front tire go flat. A quick change of tubes and we were on our way again. Still pushed the pace until we rolled in to the Parfreyville/Little Hope area. A nice spin down Crystal Lake Rd. until we hit the last little climb up to St. Mary's. I had him give one last hard effort up the hill to give the legs a little burn and then we coasted back in to town. A really good ride. I hope the advice, tips and riding along/coaching is helping Steve. It's a nice feeling for me to try and impart what little wisdom and experience I have and try to help him improve. Plus it's fun having someone to ride with occasionally. All the solo miles running and riding to get tiring. Just a note-this isn't a youngster I'm helping. Steve is 60 years young and in great shape. Just trying to improve and still be competitive. Now it's time for some chores and maybe(??) a run later.
http://app.strava.com/activities/63376375