There comes a time towards the end of every Summer that I get burned out on riding. I still enjoy going out for a romp in the woods, but I can't stand to go out and train on the road. It usually hits me late August or early September and last for a few weeks. This year it has taken me a full 5 weeks of not touching my road bike to get it out of my system. Last Tuesday Justin talked me into a hilly little route around Mitchell Memorial Forrest in Cincy. 34 miles and 2300 feet of climbing later I was back in love with skinny tires. The next day was my last group ride for the year with one loyal customer showing up for a pleasant evening ride. And Friday morning began our weekly staff ride. All in all it the perfect time of year to be on the bike. Brisk mornings that call for arm warmers and vests. Warm afternoons that leave you exhausted, but not soaked with sweat.
Last Thursday also brought about my first hike in quite a while. Jess and I headed down to Red River Gorge, KY for some hiking and light bouldering. Here is a shot of the Double Arch that we climbed up and around.
After that amazing week, I capped it off with an awesome dip into cyclocross. What a hoot. 30 minutes of all out racing in the mud and grass with piles of logs and barriers to run over... whats not to like as a spectator or a racer. Besides the lung searing, leg tearing pain of it all for the racer. All in all I had a blast and moved up form dead last (39th) to 19th over the course of 4 laps. Next time I will get a call up somehow and try and get a top ten.
Well time for bed. Enjoy the awesome Fall!
One edit before I hit the sack: I took the Doing INdiana Outdoor (DInO) Series 19-29 Cat 2 championships for 2011! Should be getting a jersey sometime this Winter.
