What is ahead? Where am I going?

I traveled to Columbia, Missouri this weekend to vist my daughter and see her model in a fashion show. Interestingly enough she was modeling women's cycling apparel. She did awesome and looked great! We had a good though fairly brief visit with her as she was busy all day Saturday withthe show.

I took my bike with me at the urging of a friend and did some miles Saturday while Sarah was busy.I wrestled with whether or not to rent a bike or take mine as I am unfamiliar where good "safe" ride routes are in the area.

I set out Saturday morning after discussing a possible route with my wife Dawn. I was nervous about the traffic around town but I had to ride through it to get where I thought I might find some low traffic mileage.We had settled on a plan for me to ride a loop about the perimeter of Rock Bridge State Park.

The trip out was tricky but I made it unscathed and in spite of the road conditions I did not flat (which I fully expected to do once I saw the shulder condition of route 163) I had a pretty hefty climb just to get out of town.

Finally I broke into what appeared to be a clearing of traffic......a two lane newly paved state highway which headed toward the park. I felt uneasy because even though I had looked over the map and had the map stuffed in my jersey pocket; I wasnt sure what to expect ahead of me. Would there be poor roads? Heavy traffic again? Hills I might not be able to manage? Dogs?

Still I rode on trying to keep a good solid pace against the moderate headwind. I had worn my winter tights and long sleeve jersey over two base layers because the temp at my departure was only 43 degrees. Well...I was now beginning to seat pretty well. This was OK with me however because I will always prefer to be hot than cold. I hope it is warm on Race Day.

As I rode on I finally came to the park only to find no paved roads in the park proper. Only rout 163 which sort of skirted the outer boundaries. I decided to continue on and finally turned around after about 15 miles. It really seemed like I was about 30 miles out from town. The topography had changed and it reminded me of Colorado in a way. Rolling hills were bordered by thick woods. I had to climb a couple of pretty good hills which were very taxing and I had to drop to the small ring to maintain a fairly steady cadence up. Of course my speed dropped to about half of what I had been traveling at. I was worried about the hills going back.

At the turn around I began to get very hungry. I forgot to take any food with me. I was OK with water and just reminded myself I could stand to burn some body fat.

On the return trip I was surprised at my stamina on the last hill. Again , small ring though. The trip back through town was didey to say the least but I made it back in one piece for which I was thankful.

This ride reminded me of what I am experiencing right now with Senior Olympics.

I am prepping as best I know how. But still.....

What is ahead?

Where am I going?

jp