Re-energized

After a week off the bike because of the derailleur situation, I went out for a 26-mile ride Saturday morning. I wondered if the time off would make it harder for me to climb hills and maintain a strong pace. I needn’t have worried. My hill climbing was stronger. Higher speeds came easier. The week-long layoff did me good.
That got me wondering — what’s the point of diminishing returns? How much time does it take before being off the bike translates into a noticeable loss of power and endurance?
Riding without a cell phone
I was making preparations to leave on my Saturday morning ride, but I couldn’t find my cell phone. It wasn’t anywhere in the house that I could see. It wasn’t left in the car. Then I remembered. At work Friday, I plugged it into a charger. I must have left Friday afternoon and forgotten to take it with me.
Saturday was the first day in forever that I had ridden without a cell phone. Funny how important those things have become. Always, in the back of my mind, I was thinking: “What if I crash? What if I need help for some reason?” It was an extra careful ride.
Sunday, I rode with my wife, who had her own phone with her. But when she finished, I decided to head back out for another 12 miles or so. It was a little easier for me this time, and I wasn’t constantly thinking about the missing phone. But you can bet I’ll make sure it’s with me when I leave work from now on.
Funny — it wasn’t that many years ago that we rode anywhere without them.
Christmas wishes
While riding with my wife this morning, she said, “For Christmas, I’d like a pair of those biking capris.”
“Huh?”
“You know, the bike tights that stop just below the knee.”
“Oh, those are called knickers.”
“Yeah — I want some.”
“I thought you wanted new cycling shoes?”
“Oh yeah — I want those too.”
Looks like it’ll be a cycling Christmas around our house.