What Did I Forget?

First club ride of the season was on Saturday. What did I forget?

A lot, as it turns out.

I forgot how fun it was to be outside. How lucky I am to belong to such a wonderful cycling club. How great to do long rides again—though this one actually wasn’t very long but it felt like it, because…

I also forgot how hard it is to ride outside and how much it takes out of me. Man was I tired when I got home. Training indoors is great but it is definitely not the same. Headwinds and traffic are the obvious differences, but just getting your outdoor legs back takes some getting used to. I hadn’t been outside for a long ride since August (thank you, concussion).

I didn’t bring enough food. I forgot how hungry I get out there. I also didn’t drink enough. I forgot that my winter gloves keep my hands warm but don’t allow any manual dexterity (i.e. for opening food bags while riding).

I forgot how much safer I feel riding in a group of people who are all alert and watching for every possible obstacle. So much nicer than riding alone.

I forgot that hills always look harder before you’re on them. Except for that damn hill on my way home. That one never gets easier.

I remember now that this is a process, and that every season starts out the same. The first few shorter rides make the longer ones seem like they’ll be impossible, but you work up to it slowly. It’s hard, until it’s not. And then you find more hills, and it gets hard again.

Looking forward to a great season of riding!