Today I notice the aftermath of a long ride.

I felt somewhat tired this morning after yesterday\’s exertions; but not as knocked out as this kitty.  I think Tour de Cure was harder on my lungs than on my legs.

Despite that, I decided to make a trip to the salvage store. My legs felt all right until I started over there on the hybrid, with the trailer in tow. Then they said, Hey, we\’re tired! So I tried to take it easy.

That was nearly impossible on the way back home. Of course I had a headwind; and it was drizzling besides. I had brought along the poncho in case I needed it; and a flapping poncho only increases wind resistance. For much of the way I was spinning on the smallest chain ring, and the next-to-biggest cog. So now my legs are tired.

They\’ll recover, I\’m sure. Most weekends I do a long ride on the road bike one day; and a grocery run with the hybrid on the other. This weekend hasn\’t been much different. The long ride was on Saturday and the trip to buy groceries on Sunday; usually it\’s the other way around.  Now that TdC is over, I\’ll go back to my usual schedule.

If I do Tour de Cure next year, I think I\’d be wise to choose a shorter distance. I enjoy the challenge of doing longer distances in the sense of just putting in the miles. When there\’s a cut-off time, it\’s another story.

But it\’s early to be thinking of that. I want to \”just ride\” for a while; but soon I must get back to \”force\” work and other training. But not before the aftermath of TdC wears off. I don\’t need to burn myself out!