Back on the bike

     Today was a good day.  Hauled my arse out of bed and threw a leg over the roadie for the first time in about four months.  Weather was awesome at 0530, overcast, a few spits of rain and warm enough not to need arm-warmers.  After a short spin to get to the freeway bike path I was ready for my long slow warm up ride into town.  I was feeling fantastic and couldn't believe that I'd gone without riding for so long.  Hooting and hollering, laughing out loud like a crazy person, slipping into a fairly cruisy rhythm. Highlight of the ride in was keeping pace with a seagull as I crossed the Mt Henry bridge.  So graceful and effortless that I had one of those moments that countless others have had over the centuries - "How cool would it be to be a bird?"
     I'd allowed ninety minutes to get the 28km into South Perth, which was clearly an overcompensation for my lack of fitness, but it was nice to not have to time trial it in to make it to the start.  I even had time for a coffee and chat at Atomic with Mark, SPR's reliable leadout man.
     Rocking up to Coode St carpark and there was a big SPR crowd.  Jordan did a double take upon seeing me there....  A decision was made to ride in the main group.  The route for the day was a standard round-the-river loop and things were feeling ok for the first bit.  It wasn't until we got to Claremont that I started to feel a little underdone but was able to keep it together.  Managed to do Mosman hill and up to the water tower without too much trouble too.  Things had started to become difficult approaching Fremantle however.  I got caught at the lights just before the bridge which split the group and that was almost me done.  I almost got back on after the bridge but not quite and when my quads cramped when I stood up for the short rise I knew that was it.  My quads rarely cramp and this was a real indication of my fitness level.  I was a bit disappointed because I reckon I may have been able to stay with the group if not for the unfortunate timing of the lights. Probably.
     A solo ride ensued until I caught up with Nicole on Bourke Drive.  We cruised back to South Perth, taking a few short cuts along the way.
     The SPR breakfast was a fine affair with a spread of sausages, rolls, fruit and drink.  Brilliant effort by the organising committee.
     The ride home was a struggle.  Needed a gel and some mental gymnastics to not stop.  Legs were aching and it was difficult to turn over the pedals.  Nothing that a recovery drink and half an hour sitting in the shower didn't fix though.
     Looking forward to getting out again - probably for the Queen's Birthday Public Holiday ride on Friday.  And maybe for a weekday ride in the not too distant future.  Golden Spokes is less than two weeks away!!!

     Must not let it be so long between rides ever again. Oh and for the record - Nathan was in the front group.

Ride details here.