Wednesday

A bad day today. We had a smaller group for today's ride, strong riders - but all going at an easy pace, enjoying what passes for fall in San Diego. Half of us took to "the dirt," up to the four corners. A good day up to this point. On the way back, just before we entered Mexican Canyon. Brit's tire exploded, knocking himself and Gary to the pavement. Gary was pretty dazed and bruised up; Brit wound up getting a ride in an ambulance. That makes four crashes this year, two ending with a trip to the hospital.

Off Season

Okay, I finally burned out a few weeks ago. I'd been training for my last race of the season... the Everest Challenge; 29000' of climbing over 180 miles and 2 days... a worthy goal; and was getting more and more exhausted.

It was too much, that along with some drastic changes at work, threw the race out the window. So, I called it quits on 2009 and took some time off.

It was harder than I thought.

Seems like the guys out here really don't take time off, they simply train all year - and they seem always get stronger and stronger... so the group rides have been somewhat trying. Spinning small gears while everyone flies by in their 53's is a little hard on the ego. Fortunately (and by fortunately I mean unfortunately) work stepped in and demanded additional attention.

But 2010 beckons... base training begins Monday.