Saturday, June 18, 2011

Dark Depart


It's wasn't easy to get up for a 5:30am rollout, but it was worth it. I find enduring an early alarm easier than triple digit temps and 25-35mph winds.

Aware of the windy forecast (it was already blowing pretty strong at departure), I worked my way south on a mix of paved and gravel roads to the Denton Greenbelt Trail, rode about 6 miles of it, and ended up at the southern end. After a brief, but scenic tour of downtown Denton, I returned along my traditional bicycle commute route. That route basically is a choice of going west, or north. On the west portions, I leaned into the cross wind and worked to maintain a line among the gusts. On the north portions, I was amazed by the mixed sensory signals my brain was receiving...tired legs, still air, but a landscape going by very rapidly.

After almost 5 hours on the bike, I had just enough time to get cleaned up and have a big lunch before that afternoon nap overcame me.



8 comments:

  1. That tail wind feels pretty good, doesn't it? Even when you're tired.

    Your early morning rides have got me thinking about doing such a thing tomorrow (Father's Day).

    I'd say you definitely earned a big lunch and a nap!

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  2. Funny I did the same thing but with a 6:30 departure and mine was in the metroplex. My route also covered my work commute. It was strange when I was riding with the tail wind to not feel a breeze and then look down and see I was doing 20 mph. Strange sensation.

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  3. I just returned from a short loop ride of about 7-8 miles before church. When I started the temp. was about 70 and it was pretty breezy from the south. We had a rain last night and it helped to settle the gravel dust. The humidity is still pretty high and the cool breeze felt good even if I was bucking it the first part of the ride. It was nice to have it pushing me back home. I don't have a speedometer like Dave but I could definitely feel the difference. Happy Father's Day all!

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  4. 106F with a strong tail wind is more fun than 70F going the other way. Just sayin.

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  5. Steve, wow! I thought I hated strong headwinds as much as anyone. Maybe not.

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  6. 5 hours before lunch?!? I didn't know about those hours of the day. I'll have to see if I can locate them.

    Looks like a fantastic ride, and as always you managed to capture it with few words and just one image. I never can understand how you do that.

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