Tough ride

It was Long-Ride-Day today, and I was determined to add mileage to get closer to the El Tour challenge of (now changed to) 60 miles. Yesterday we were fortunate enough to get personalized bike maintenance training at our favorite bike shop, and both Racy Tracy and Fabulous Fabian were singing as we set out. What a difference a new chain makes.

We headed down the valley and made it to our planned turn around point at Hwy 186 at the end of Kansas Settlement Road. Mostly with a tail wind and we made great time. The wind headed back was not bad and we kept good, steady speed until Dan noticed a bump on my rear tire and he no sooner mentioned it or the tire went flat. How wonderful to have knight in shining armour along who can cheerfully change your tube! And, if it had not been for the puncture, we would have missed hearing the sandhill cranes call and seeing the redtailed hawk do circles right over our heads.

On we went until we had to head straight west and met with a 15 mph head wind. This is not what one wants at the end of a long ride! We huffed and puffed the last 10 miles, but we made it home where we felt better after a shower and some food. Just have to keep thinking about that great aerobic engine we are building in our body. But no wind on the long ride next time. Please.