Hot High Cliff

The Ride Route: High Cliff

Miles: 30

Time: 2:00

Ave. Speed: 14.5 mph

Weather: Sunny and warm, 86, Wind 5-10 mph

Total Outdoor 2017 Miles: 1,277

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The Story

Finally got BACK on the road to take advantage of the stretch of four nice hot September days. Life calls, so I was unable to ride until Monday.

BACK in caps because my back played a role in the ride today. I felt good as I headed for High Cliff State Park today under the hot sun.

One issue: My back.

Last week I tweaked it because I sat in a poor position for way too long a time in my studio. It was still nagging me today when I got on the bike. I hoped that a few miles and the ibuprofen I took would start to kick in and help. It did, but only to a degree.

Changing from a normal riding position to an upright position in the saddle hurt, sending pings of pain at the base of my spine.

I figured I'd have to remain in the saddle on the climb up. I was right.

First, I missed a downshift at the base of the climb, causing me to lose some mo. Not a good start.

As I came up to the final jump in grade toward the top I was running out of steam. It was a struggle with a tender back. I slowly tried to get out of the saddle, but lasted only a few pedal strokes before realizing this was a bad plan. It hurt too much. So I finished in the saddle fighting myself every inch of the way.

Once on top, the reward is always well worth the climbing struggle.

A nice ride today in near-perfect conditions in my world.

What could be better than sunny and 86 degrees you ask?

Just a little warmer and more humidity and less wind.

I know, I know. I'm goofy with the heat stuff. But this is just background as to why I complain so much about the old weather. I hate that. I love this.