Coach wanted me to ride three hours today, an easy ride without my bicycle computer. But when I woke up this morning, it was very cold – less than 30 degrees F. I did not want to ride in such cold. To be honest, I was afraid of ice. I have crashed on ice before, and I did not want to have the experience again.

But the sky was clear blue without a cloud to be seen. The sun was shining and melting the frost on the road way, so I put on my lycra and Joanne and I headed south toward the start of the Salem Bicycle Club’s Revolutions for Resolutions ride.

Being New Years Day, many folks were out including some I have not seen for quite some time. After some words of friendship we headed northward on the route. Once we obtained Windsor Inland Road, the pace picked up, but my stomach was not feeling the best, so I dropped backed. Perhaps this respite helped because soon I decided to catch Craig. I picked up the pace and was gaining when we came on the short rise where he attached to catch the rider in front of him. He did so and I was back about 50 feet. I stayed there for a short bit before I again picked up the pace and caught them. We rode together with me on Craig’s wheel. He was riding very well and I was happy to be in his draft (but I did take one pull).

We soon came upon the Ravena climb. I attacked as hard as I could even though I was riding my heavy bike. I had my fourth best time and was just 4 seconds off of my best time.

So much for not bringing along a bicycling computer.

I headed home after that. I was still feeling a bit queasy. Once home, I headed for the couch and took a three hour nap.