What a hard day. I planned my ride on the Womble heading North like last year, however, this time I figured to split the 37.4 mile point to point trail more equally.
I changed out blankets, heavy to southeast spring warm. My sleep spot was shaded allowing me to sleep till past 8. The pain from the smacked ribs is slightly better, diminishing returns as time moves on. I am aware of the pain while riding gasping deep breaths. This hurt adds to other pains, non of them sufficient to cripple me but are of a nature that several weeks not riding would make a lot better. But I have about 370 more days to go.
I drove to another trail access point @ about 18.25 marker. Getting excited to ride this pedal trail. Big grin. Spun off. I planned to ride hard to turn around point of trail end then more slowly ride back. I considered holding my pulse to max 140 bpm. That didn’t happen either way. Leaves are almost fully deployed, some sections still had unridden down last fall leaves. Saw 3 hunters just at road access points the trail was mine. Right away I learned that my bike is “too big” for this trail. Squish is good, this bike is like ridding in your favorite arm chair, too much squish. Carried 70 ozs h2o, 4 electrolyte caps, a pbh sandwich, & 4 shots of huckleberry Hammer gel. Warm w/ breeze sometimes, not sure of humidity. About 11 miles out is a campground w/ h2o. I tried to drink more, the 70 ozs went dry just as I rode into XG on return. My body temp seemed high. I sweat very little perhaps because of my conditioning. Each suck on my hydration bladder got harder as I was sucking the bladder to itself. I was marshalling my resources of energy & supplies. The trail N of XG crossed several small creeks of differing clarity. On way back I picked one and sat in it cooling off my hot nuts. I never bonked, I just ran out of steam. Impressive effort: 37.84 miles in 4 hrs 58 mins, climbed 4765′, and burned 5722 calories. I beat my body pretty good.
Late start meant late finish. I drove into MT Ida seeking propane & a shower @ Depney point xg. Buisnesses close @ 5:00. Drove further east to xg where I showered & stayed last year. Free shower. Plan was to drive back into MT Ida & beyond for 2nd half of Womble. I rethought it and paid $14 for utility site in XG.
Tomorrow back thru MT Ida for propane, discussion w/ FS on Vista trail, and on to departure point for Womble. Perhaps a mid point for 2 out & backs from van. Comfort.
Bed time and no cramps.