Back from the Mountains

Well, Lake Anna didn't work out. I shredded a tire with multiple punctures about 14 miles into the ride. I managed to get it fixed, but I didn't have a bunch of confidence that it was going to hold together so I headed back. Lesson learned: don't go to the boonies on cooked tires. I pulled Jim P. out for another century (on new tires) to Tappahannock the next day. He continues to be a great training partner despite the rage he inspires in dogs.

On Monday I headed for the mountains. I spent some days with my folks, Barb and Dave, in Roanoke. I rode some great climbs on Monday and Tuesday; much steeper, much longer than we get around Richmond. I spent about 10 miles at grades over 8%; maybe 4 miles at grades over 10%. It was hard. Lesson learned: I bang it out until the grade hits 6%; then I need to start negotiating. The mountains are going to be a challenge for me. If anybody's got some advice on climbing steep grades over long distances, I'd love to hear any thoughts. I know I'm keeping my climbing ring. Indeed, I'm getting pretty much everything on my power train replaced, but I'm keeping the gearing exactly the same.

Aside from some good mountain riding in southwest Virginia, staying in Roanoke was wonderfully peaceful. My folks are gleefully retired, and their contentment kind of suffuses their home. I wrapped up the initial draft of the book during a rainout on Wednesday. It was a great environment for working and for training, and I feel an immense gratitude for the calm they helped provide me.