Back in the saddle again!!

After only riding on the road the last few months and a long grueling day in the saddle last weekend at the Tour de London, I knew it was time to get back in the woods. The weather broke this week and it was fall like temps, just the way we like it. I didn't just want to get back in the woods, I wanted to get back on the 1x1. It has been even longer since I rode that. The problem is that there are some hills that just kill me on the only trail around.

So, I got up early this morning and headed out to the trail head. It was 45 degrees when I started my ride. Not exactly what I had in mind for fall temps, but it had to work. I tried to warm up a little and then took off. A little down the trail, I began to think that I picked the wrong bike!! But, the good news was I climbed a few sections that I don't normally climb all the way, but I did have to walk 3 times in the first 3 miles or so. That sounds bad, but actually with all things considering, it is not as bad as it sounds. Most of the 3 sections are hard to clean on a geared bike. From there I continued on and things went a little better. There was an over abundance of spider webs out. I was getting covered almost non-stop. As I was cruising down one of the fire lanes, I noticed a guy walking up the way. That is when it crossed my mind that maybe squirrel season might have started, the obvious thing might have been the gun slung over his shoulders. I was hoping that he was not mad at me and would fire a shot my way.
Things were rolling smooth as I came to the road crossing and before I was thinking that when I got there I would make a right and go to the car. But, I was feeling a little better and figured that since I am out there, I might as well do a full lap. The back side of the lake is normally even harder then the first section of trail when I start at Foxey Hollow. This time I was actually doing good and rode several sections that I normally have trouble with.

Over all, I rode 10 miles with about 1500 ft of elevation gain. I only had to walk 5 different sections. Not too bad for the condition I am in and now little I have been on the SS. I am tired, but looking forward to the next time I can make it out. Not sure when that will be since I am booked up most of the week and next weekend too. This is not good for riding!!