Back in the saddle

After my 3 week long purgatory of no bike riding, I eagerly jumped on the road bike Friday for some much needed miles. The weather was in the 60's so some saddle time was a must. My goal for the weekend was 3 days of as much riding as my body would allow. I wanted to stay off dirt for another week to let my wounds continue to heal.
Friday's ride was spent hitting all the short climbs in my zip code. I rode with, threw and around traffic. My only mistake was timing, I forgot about school getting out and had to battle a couple school buses. I got off the busy streets and headed out to the islands. There is quite a bit of construction out that way, so the road bike got some dirt on it and I got to battle the lake winds.
Saturday came, Becky asked "what do you want to do today?" My response " ride my bike and drink some beer." I headed back out to the islands, there was more wind and the temps were cooler, but had a good ride none the less. We had some good chinese food for dinner and picked up some Yuengling B&T to enjoy for the evening. Both days left my legs feeling spent, so I thought a 3rd day of riding was out of the question.
Sunday came and I was reluctant to ride. My legs were tender and I just didn't want to get on the rode again. The commuter was sitting in the garage unsold and unridded. I had built the commuter to get back and forth to work, but my boss wants me drive all over the map at a moments notice, so it has gone unused. Becky wanted to get our interest free loan to the government back from the government and she needed my W-2. I could only print it at work, so what better excuse to ride the commuter. I have it set up 36 x16 with mountain tires. Perfect for the hilly terrain around the house. I took my time getting to work, I rode the greenway and some nature trail. The legs felt great and it was good to be back on a SS.
Something about riding SS that clears the thoughts and senses. Before the end of the ride Sunday I had decided to do all my training for Snake 2.0 on the commuter (Vassago is waiting on parts). There will be no trainer riding unless work puts me in a bind. Back on the supersecret training plan and diet Monday.
Early review of the snoz job is positive. I am actually breathing through my nose, there is a bit more runoff (if you catch my drift) when I ride, but I think that will clear up the farther I get out from procedure. Felt strong on the Friday and Sunday rides, could be due to the snoz work or could be that I'm 12 lbs lighter. Not sure, but I'm sure the Snake we'll sort it out.
Couple other things going on, but I will save it for another post. Not bike related, but some online venting will probably help.

Couch Potato training

Followed up with the snoz doc today. He ordered another week of no exercise. His exact words "be a couch potato" If I must. Now only if I can avoid Becky's baking so I won't swell up.

Get your motor running

After cleaning off all the mud and shame that was Snake Creek #1. It is now time to focus on getting the bike repaired and having the engine supped up. For numerous years the engine on my bike has suffered from oil leaks. I finally took the engine in to see the local mechanic and he diagnosed an air intake problem. It seems my engines carburetor was not taking in as much air as it could and this caused the air intake to dry out leading to oil leaks. The mechanic laid out my options, "repair it or live with it". I responded "will the repair increase my air intake thus increasing my horsepower?" His response, "maybe". I like those odds.
So we scheduled an appointment for this past Thursday and the repairs went off without any complications. I can already tell there is an increase in air uptake to the engine and the engine has an increased appetite for peanut butter oatmeal cookies. Will the repairs to the engine lead to continued pis poor results? Probably, but at least I will enjoy more air while in the process
Not me, but someone else with the same issue (if your interested)

Welcome to Weak: Population me

Weak is the best way to describe my performance at the Snake Creek TT. Calling it a performance is even a stretch. I have mulled yesterday's events over in my head and have created a chronological order of thoughts that occurred in my head during the race. Events as follows:
"Safe bus ride in with nice guy from Huntsville, He says theres good riding in them parts, I responded, I've heard that"
"Lined up next to the Monster"
"Monster is off the start line fast, but throws his chain"
"Creek is cold, but not too bad"
"Swiftwick T and 12's were a good choice"
"Initial climb ok, oops this is getting muddy, the singletrack may suck"
"Singletrack is awful, can't stand to climb without spinning out, relegated to walking"
"First climb down, legs feel good"
"Cross the next creek, playing leapfrog with Millhouse"
"Monster catches up,but drops his chain again"
"I forgot about this trail of slop that is hard to even walk up let alone ride"
"Get passed by the Addicts"
"Sweet downhill into midway point, God, my back is killing, it usually lets up after I settle in, but it won't let up"
"Eat, dammit, but I don't feel like it, Force down a clif bar, then HTFU"
"Hey, Monster. Let's tackle the next climb"
"Sucks to see the Monster hurting, but it helps my suffering"
"I think that is Chris Ivory, up there. Not sure, he's looks to be hurtin too"
"This ridgeline sucks, Goodbye Monster"
"I am all alone in this crazy fog. GOOD your weak ass deserves it"
" I am weak and I suck at this sport"
"This is my last race"
"How much can I get for my bike?"
"What will I do with all my spare internet time?"
" I should probably eat"
"Ugghh, more climbing. Do I have a trailer attached to the bike?"
"Hey Hodge, your rockin it! Man your awesome!"
"Last SAG, gotta eat, but don't want too, force it in. HTFU"
"Guess I should ride, even little rocks suck"
"Bye Chris, good to meet you"
"I am too weak for these rocks, I should walk"
"Why is my tire rubbing the chainstay, Jabbernut is loose,I needed a break anyway"
"Eat dammit, How much longer?"
"God, I want off this ridgeline"
"Wally from Knoxville seems like a nice guy. He's on a Jabber and is wearing Twin 6, so he can't be too bad"
"Finally, the cell tower. F N cramp, ride it out weakass"
"Can't see anything on this downhill"
"Want to know your time? No"
"Way to go, didn't make any of your goals, you are so F N weak"
"Mountain bike friends are cool"
"Chili's is good after a ride"
"My bike is a mess"
"My brakes are toast and I blew a spoke, that explains the trailer I was hauling"
"The bike is clean now"
"Can't wait for February"

It all started so nicely
Picture cred to Millhouse