Showing posts with label Just riding along..... Show all posts
Showing posts with label Just riding along..... Show all posts

Monday, February 4, 2013

Strava says I'm feelin' good.

I've been quietly knocking out a few rides over the last month. It's been very busy with family and then work stuff too though so my musings have taken a back seat.
There is a definite correlation between the number of rides I am doing and the state of mind I am experiencing. While nothing of late has been earth shatteringly huge or set land speed records or done anything other than get my arse on a bike there is no denying that each and every time I get out and ride the resultant mental state is overwhelmingly positive. So what does that pile of bollocks mean? I really love riding my bike.
I have made a regular booking for Thursday nights with Stokesy and Rients and so far the rides have been very relaxing. A roll through the local trails or a jaunt up Camp Mountain on a beautiful summers evening is a damn fine way to end a day. I think that as the fitness levels of all three of us increase the pace will undoubtedly follow suit. Right now though it is cool to chat and pedal.
I have still maintained the occasional solitary ride too. I just love getting on the road bike and just going. I haven't had time or the fitness to bash hundreds of K's but a good solid couple of hours gets me to some very cool places. I love the Winn Road loop that takes me out around North Pine Dam and the back roads of Samford.
I am regaining my single minded desire to make the time and effort to get on a bike, any bike and go pedal it. I am racing this year in a few events but rather than the hurried, often stressed out feeling of needing to "train" I am just enjoying riding. For the first time in over a year I am starting to crave the physiological payoff that comes with having a crack.
My new bike helps too. Yeah, I said it. I have a new bike. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the support of Cyc'd for Bikes and Giant. Since 2010 these guys have helped me out in more ways than just with bikes. I try to give back where I can and I only hope that my appreciation shows through. The bike? Well it's a 2013 Anthem Advanced X1. It really is about as perfect a bike for me as I could ask for. I will do a full review in the next few days. I have only just got it set up properly and done a few short rides. This weekend promises something a bit more solid to give me a much better feel for what it's really like. The truth is, I have a great platform, with the running gear I love with a carbon main frame. What's not to love.
So there it is. Strava says I did some rides. My state of mind confirms it. I love it when a plan comes together.