"Well, if you're having fun...

then why go home?"

I told myself this weekend that I wouldn't get down on myself. Riding with two of the best cyclists in not only the TriCities....but the NW region...you are going to have to bust your butt to even keep them in sight. Luckily, they are two of the nicest and most encouraging people....so I tried to keep my chin up and continue grinding away at the pedals.

The morning of the ride I jumped up out of bed- threw open the blinds and muttered "shit" under my breath. Wind. Ouch. 12mi run at race pace the day before. Ouch. But this is going to be fun....I was just so nervous. The last time I rode with people that I knew would be a challenge was, sadly, when I first started riding (over a year and a half ago) and I was invited to go with Robyn up Clodfelter Rd (which is about a 12mi---i think--- hill up, up, and away to the flat farmlands headed south towards the Oregon boarder).

What a coincidence! This is the same route we had discussed riding...and what do you know Winds SW increasing throughout the day. Last summer I HATED the wind. It would decide whether I ride outside or inside. After IM Canada, my mentality of this pushing air changed. Embrace the training with the wind, because like JM says "There could be wind on race day..." and what do you know-----there was! ha.

I kept my attitude up and tried to keep my breathing (and nerves) quiet. I wasn't used to riding so close to anyone- and even though it was pleasant conversation- my mind kept wandering to all the "what if" scenarios. I really didn't want to crash into either of their BEAUTIFUL bikes.

After a short climb away from the river, they decided to go single file down the other side en route to our hill. I knew I was done at this point. With the combination of the wind, my lack of drafting practice, and their ease of aero position into this unpredictable wind I was dropped. (Lesson #1: need to practice riding in aero downhill....and in crazy wind). I shouldn't have let this get to me---as I expected this upon leaving my house...it was more of a feeling like---"damn...well yeah what did you think---you were magically going to get better at this? you need to practice, erin!"

Before I knew it, we were climbing. I really enjoy climbing. This day was not the easiest day to be climbing---but if I could choose to be either climbing or descending (regardless of wind).....it would definitely be the former.

It was a long climb to the top- but I held right where I would like for my workout- and kept my mind from wandering too far from the task at hand. Not to mention, it was BEAUTIFUL up there. I love the farmlands. It was just so quiet...and felt away from everything. I loved turning my head to the side and listening to the wind running through the grasslands. It had been too long. Everything was just so carefree.

After we arrived to the top, we noticed they have dusted over the road with loose gravel- hopefully to repave the road soon. A quick discussion later, and we were headed back to our original location at the bottom. Unexpectadely, this was the point that I let myself break. I wasn't even a mile from the top and all three of them were out of sight....already gaining at least a mile on me. I tried to let myself relax, letting my bike gradually pick up speed. With my heart rate steadily climbing with the mph gaining, I kept my hand clenched on the breaks. I recall looking down and seeing 24mph. "Really, Erin?! Thats nothing!"

Once I reached the flat ground again, the group was waiting and motioned for me to go around the roundabout and we would meet up and discuss plans. Coming up to the stop, I confused my footing and fell flat on my still clipped in side. Damnit. This lead to a flow of 5 or 6 tears...damnit (#2 Im not a baby). I felt so awful for them having to keep turning around and waiting for me.

Totally defeated, I announced, "I think I'm just going to head home."

Suddenly there was an outburst, "Are you okay?" "Do you have enough food?" "Are you sure?" and the big one....

"Are you having fun?....because if you're having fun then why are you going home?"

I was having fun! This was the turning part for my day. I no longer stressed about being dropped (even though it was inevitable...) I just enjoyed the company on the warmer than average January day.

It reminded me, even if you go out for a workout....no matter the outcome--- it's better than not going out at all. At least I attempted the ride- and honestly I was so excited for my numbers from my ride. I didn't know my legs could push that hard.

I feel like this is one of those experiences I will remember for a long time. I can't put to words how much I appreciate the help from these two. I realize afterwards there is no reason why I should have been that nervous. They were out for a 3 hour ride for fun...and looking to not only help me out...but to go for a ride together---a group ride (I think haha).

More tomorrow- so much has been going on the last couple of weeks....until then......

tomorrow: gluten free?

tomorrow: rev3love!

RACOON CAT

Tomorrow: Our trip to Timberline

Love, Erin