Fitness level prior to injury? Yesterday’s ride was 1 day short of 3 weeks riding after 6 week recovery layoff. I had been avoiding painful heart pounding rides because, well, they are not pleasant. Yesterday I swung my stiff leg over the top tube and pedaled away on a demanding ride up Tumalo Ridge trail to descend S Fork. Well, while I pedaled everything there were blow breaks on the steep part of the Ridge.
33 mins later I arrived at the start of the old haul road climbing up to Swede Shelter. I let Garmin compute my time, I knew from effort that more minutes longer passed than previous rides. My time was 2 mins slower but felt longer as I teetered wigglin my handle bar to remain in balance. I was worked for effort. Plenty of time to plan rest of ride as my brain processes thoughts faster than O2 / CO2 exchange. Initial route was to ride Swede ridge to Swampy then descend S Fork and finish on Tumalo creek. Other choice to descend was to take Sector 16 to Upper Whoops down to start of Skyliner, a mix of down and short ups, back to van. Both of these trails had been closed during the summer for forest management and would offer longer single track pleasure than speeding down Tumalo creek. I chose this route albeit not excitement of S Fork.
The trail was ridden in back when handlebars were shorter and wheels were 26″. Wear indicates wide bars and 29″ wheels. There was about an inch clearance for my bar width.
My breathing is lagging muscles leaving me gasping. Still met challenge learning I can still body wise ride this challenge, it’s that my body wages conflict with brain planning. 13 miles climbing 1476′ pedaling for 2 hrs, average heart rate was 121. Earlier this summer on same ride with faster riders pedal time was 1 hr 48 mins.
Will cardio level return?
From Sunday’s ride:
Yesterday I returned to my place because weather forecast called for precip today, snow, to hole up for better weather tomorrow. About 6AM I raised my head to look the length of my van out the windshield. I saw snow. Daylight revealed white covering but little depth. Forecast temp would melt it off. I needed water and propane today meaning the 6mile drive to La Pine. Roads were wet but not slippery. Made the town. I buy propane from gas station that has a water spigot for must be public use as I have watched numerous rigs fill jugs but not buy fuel. One attendant, perhaps owner, and I have conversed about Alabama where his son is attending school. Nice connection, Back to property and melted out, just wet land.
So, my new heater will be installed next Wed. I will leave here then the next day heading to Moab. Better weather in Bend tomorrow for return and more riding what is snow free.
Next Tues new shocks and struts will be installed on my van to improve ride.
Good for you, getting stronger! We are near Sqn Luis Abispo and having fun. Tourde several lighthouses.