For a little while now (ok for a few years), I’ve been cruising. Putting more social into my riding, and it’s been great.
I ride with a power meter, so I know pretty much know exactly how hard is too hard and when to stop pushing too hard on the pedals.
After 40 years of riding, I can follow a wheel on the flat with the best of them – just drafting along. I’ve always been a bit of a diesel, with the ability to power along all day if need be. I haven’t lost that, and as my group rides get into their second half, I can feel the group coming back to me. It’s the longer climbs where I’m being caught out.
My decreased power and increased weight is working against me. Just the other week I had an epiphany. What if I actually try?
At 58 years of age, I’m not wanting to re-capture my glory days, but just have a little more power available. So I’ve stopped throttling back when it gets hard and I’m trying to hang at the front. I’m saying yes to the route options that are a little lumpier, and believe it or not, I’m getting better. Who knew that actually trying hard would make me a better rider? I’m not so sure about the sore legs, that I seem to have now and then. Hopefully, as I find a “new normal” they will pass.
It’s kind of nice to be pushing myself again and seeing improvements. I’m not getting too carried away, but it’s adding fun to my riding. And isn’t that the whole idea?
