Rebuilding my fitness won’t be any quick-and-easy fix, though. It won’t be easy getting myself back into the off-bike fitness routine after more than three months away from it.

I’ve started by doing a few exercises; and I’ll work up to 15 or so reps. No push-ups yet; I’m not sure my left elbow can take it.

Today my legs felt a little stiff while riding; and I don’t dare try to ride 20 miles yet. Today I put in almost 11 miles; and in a day or two, I’ll push for 12 miles or so.

Soon I’ll have to bundle up to ride. Monday night it’s supposed to fall to 36 degrees; and as far as I’m concerned, that’s cold! The wind will be strong; and that only makes it feel colder! Rebuilding my fitness in the teeth of a cold and powerful headwind isn’t my idea of fun.