Because groove is cooler than habit… It’s best to look for external signs that you’re getting your groove back. I’ve had three recent triggers that hint it may be happening for cycling.
1)
For the first time this year, and for the first time in longer than I can remember, I took off on a ride just for personal fun. The ride wasn’t to go to work, it wasn’t to do an errand on Woodstock, it wasn’t to ride with someone because I said I would. I just rode to ride. It was a Carlos Villa Practice ride. Gah, I can’t remember the last time I did this. Yet, this type of ride is definitely a coal mine canary of riding health.
2)
My average speed has bounced up from the “don’t ride” levels. When I don’t ride for awhile, or when I getting out there to just get out there I don’t ride with enthusiasm. It shows in my average speed. Like a damp campfire that won’t catch, my ride sputters and smokes along never really getting anywhere but eventually getting over with. When the joy of ride catches flame I go. Paradoxically I go faster with less apparent effort. The work is transformed into play and zoom, zoom, zoom. (note: I’m still very slow)
3)
It’s V8 and potato chip time. Hamstring cramps are indicating I’ve out ridden my internal salt supply and I need to replenish the electrolytes. A nice problem to have.
We’ll see how it goes over the next few weeks.
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