Recovery week is finally here. I’ve trained hard the last few weeks and need it badly. And it’s coming at a great time. I’m riding in an event this weekend that’s appropriately named “The Brute.” It’s a road event that features a distance of 200k which includes 12,000-15,000 feet of climbing. If you’re available this weekend are within driving distance of Western Wisconsin, I highly recommend you check it out at www.spreetouring.com.
I’ve spoken many times of the value of recovery rides. A cyclist gets stronger and faster during recovery, so it’s important to get plenty of rest. Remember – work hard on a quality day and go easy, really easy on a recovery day.
Boy, was my easy ride today a strange one. First of all, I had a close call with a goose. Yeah, really! Goslings have hatched, and 2 adults were preparing to cross the street with their 8 or 9 little ones. They were in the weeds at the side of the road, and as I came closer to them one of the adults moved from the weeds onto the shoulder. And as I came alongside the goose, rather than turning away from me it opened its mouth then hissed, opened his wings and made a move toward me. I’ve never been chased by a goose on my bike…….good thing I’ve been practicing my sprint!
Shortly after that my cell phone vibrated. I was hoping for this call so I pulled over to the curb, answered and talked for several minutes. As I was talking on the phone, suddenly I heard a hiss. I looked around for a car or other vehicle, but I was all alone. I realized it was my front tire losing air. The hissing slowed and nearly stopped, then a few seconds later it hissed loudly again. I don’t know how many flats I’ve had over the last 30 years, but it must be a hundred or more. I’ve never had a flat while I was sitting still, though. That was very weird.
So this short 1 hour ride included 2 “firsts” for me. I think it was a strange coincidence that this all happened on an easy recovery ride. What strange things have you experienced on your rides? Add your comments below.
Ride Recap:
Saturday’s 3 hour ride included 2 x 20 minute threshold intervals, 4 hill climbs at VO2 Max along with several other rollers at VO2 Max or higher. The rest of the ride was endurance level.
Please contact me with any questions, then GET OUT AND RIDE!
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That is too Funny!
I got attacked by killer geese on hiway 13 about a month ago – I find if you hiss back at them, they mostly go away. Yesterday I got attacked (?) by a 2′ diameter turtle by Lebanon Hills. Fortunately, I was able to out run him.