High Cliff High
Best ride of the season.
Hands down.
There is no doubt that the warmer weather automatically brings out the best in me on a bike.
Sunshine and 70. A bit of wind, sure, but it was never a total headwind, so it did not suck the life out of my legs.
In fact, as I headed out to High Cliff State Park to attempt the climb for the first time this year, I just took it easy for the entire 14 miles out there. It took very little effort and no toll on my legs, which is one reason I believe I did so well up the climb.
This climb is always a challenge, but you really never know what to expect when doing it for the first time in a new season of riding. I took the 'slow and steady' approach and man did it work. I'm not saying it was easy, but it wasn't that difficult today either.
Once all the way up to the lookout tower I stopped in my usual place for a drink and a Rice Crispies bar.
This view never gets old on a sunny afternoon...
I knew I had the task of riding another 15 miles home into some wind, but as it turned out, a lot of that wind was a crosswind and thanks to a couple of Bloks for energy along the way I never felt bad on the ride. Not once. Boy I'd like to bottle today's effort and feeling and use it all summer long.
I saw quite a few roadies out there today. I guess I had forgotten what a popular route Manitowoc Rd. is for riders.
In fact on the way out a guy coming at me from the opposite direction waved, as most do, and as he passed I gave him the nod back thinking to myself, "Hey wait a minute. I know that guy. That was Robert out riding from my neighborhood."
I wonder if he knew it was ME he had waved to?
The old Roubaix performed flawlessly today as well. Love that bike. Plus, I was riding in my old shoes again....long story...new ones were just a little too small and I have a 'wide' size on order now.
All in all I'm a happy rider camper today after this one!
RIDE ROUTE
High Cliff Climb
30 miles/13.8 average mph
Sunny, Warm, 70, Wind 10-12 mph
2020 SEASON MILES
Indoor: 125.6
Outdoor: 426.2