40 Mile Ride

I knew I needed to get on my bike for one more ride before heading out to Mississippi tomorrow. I just don't think that the stationary bikes will do it for me. Plus, I HATE the gyms on Keesler. They are crowded and they stink!

So, off I went. Greg suggested I take a PB&J sandwich with me again. He said you never know how hungry I'll get. Knowing how smart he is, I packed my sandwich and hit the road.

There is this great trail between Northfield and Dundas. The whole length is about 5 miles (2 of it are on a county road). The beginning of the trail is in a lovely park, with the end just before a big highway. I did the out and back once, then took a break in the park and ate the first half of my sandwich. I was feeling great! I wanted to do at least 25 miles, but knew I could get in 35 easy.

I did the out and back again. Now I was at 25 miles total. One more out and back, then the ride home, and I could have 40 miles in my reach. After the second 1/2 of my PB&J, I hit the trail again.

I hit the trail again. Shortly after starting, my left knee began to ache. I started to visualize using only my right leg, which helped out. I found that when I started from a stop (2 stop signs on my route) then the knee REALLY hurt). When I made it back to the park, at my 35 mile point, my knee was killing me. I hopped off the bike and walked around a bit. That seemed to help, but it was still tender.

Each time I started back up from a stop there was a shooting pain in my knee. So, when I hit 40.3 miles, across the highway from my house, I got off my bike and walked it home. I just couldn't go through that pain again.

I guess more hamstring stretches may be in order next time. Also, I need to walk around more during my breaks, to loosen the joints.

Oh, the artwork is courtesy of my Great Uncle Duane Bryers. Duane is known for his Western artwork, with his painting being featured at the entrance to the Cowboy Hall of Fame! However, he got his start with his pin-up girl, Hilda, on calendars for many many businesses in the 60s and 70s. My Grandma had Hilda in her bathroom, and I will do the same with my Hilda artwork too!