Playing Hooky

I hate sweat in my eyes. I hate it a lot more at 25 miles per hour.

Don't believe the hype about the "best years of your life" because high school sucked so much. An acquaintance from back then asked me a few years ago if I wanted to go back and I said, "Hell no." Acne, hormonal surges, clique issues and the fact I was a high-strung dumbass combined for a forgettable experience. If I were transported back in time to those days, I would spend the four years doing every thing right and making it up to those I did wrong (a long list).

This came to mind as I ditched work today for a ride because there is no feeling like leaving work/school when it serves no useful purpose. All of my chores were caught up and the walls had closed in, so I scooted home and hopped on the new bike. My intent was a quick ride around town, maybe 12 miles, because the wind was blowing hard again but once rolling, I just kept going.

The first ten miles were just okay and the suckiness didn't set in until about mile 12. The hills had the sweat pouring out, and without warning, blinded me when I was pumping the pedals hard. A quick slowdown and prayer and I was good to go but the heart was going there for a second.

(Memo to self: chapstick!)

The afternoon wind blows west to east here and, naturally, I was going east to west for the last legs home and I couldn't get any real speed but I was going a heck of a lot faster than if I'd been on the mountain bike. The lighter roadie is smooth through the gusts as long as it's going head-on. I made it home in good time with 20 miles total and 1100 useless calories behind me.

This exercising is rough and I ache all over now but I remember how it was when I started on this path a while back. The first twenty rides or so were the hardest but I did adapt and, given time, I'll get more comfortable and relaxed again. In the meantime, I'll keep riding and I'll keep pushing.

No steam of consciousness...well, not exactly true. There was this point before the sweat come down where I had this incredible view of the valley and I was thinking, pains and all, I would much rather be there then at work. It's a start.

Word of the ride: ouch.