Went to the race in the pouring rain. On the way up we saw the tail end of the Provo 1/2 marathoners (Heather was too fast, so I didn't see her), and the Provo full marathoners. I kept talking about how miserable they must be running in the cold and I couldn't believe they were racing in such miserable weather. Then lI realized we were going up to ride in the same miserable weather. Oh the irony.
Random pics of people I don't know running in the rain.
Midway mountain scenery.
Then I decided to ride Squaw Peak. For some reason this ride was especially painful, and I mean that in every sense of the word. I actually had to stop where it says 3 3/4 on the road for a minute to let the pain leave my legs. This is the first time I have had to stop because I hurt riding Squaw Peak. By the time I got to the top I felt like I was pushing with everything I had. Somehow I don't remember the end of climb being so steep. I think pain has a lot to do with the perception of steepness.
In some ways it was a little discouraging because I had to ride in my small gears to get to the top and because it was such a struggle. In other ways it was great, because now I have a guage and new goal to accomplish by the end of the summer. Sometimes reality can be harsh, but at least you know what to prepare for.
Pic I took while riding up.
Love the view.
The ride down was very cold. Another storm had crept up while I was going up, so I went up with a head wind, and down with a head wind. I was shivering cold by the time I got to the bottom. Just as I got to the bottom I heard a clinking noise. I crossed the road, and discovered I had a flat tire! I am sure hoping I was climbing with low tire pressure, then maybe the next ride won't be so painful. I didn't want to change a skinny tire while I was so cold, so I called my husband and he met me at Timpanogous Park. What a great guy to come and rescue me from the cold and changing a tire.
Sunday June 13 - My Birthday
Had a great birthday. The family surprised me with great gifts, we had pizza and cheese cake and lots of fun.
My cake topper my husband didn't dare put on the cake. Isn't it cool. It played Happy Birthday.
Cute Octapus balloon bouquet.
Monday June 14th - AF Canyon
I finally got to ride AF Canyon. I met up with Steve and we went to see how far we could ride before the trails were unrideable. The trails were great except for Pine Hollow, so we only rode up to the look out and back. I love this trail--hopefully next week the trails will be in good condition and I will have time to do the entire loop.
This view never gets old.
The patch spot below is where Pine Hollow & Salamander Flats intersect. I can't believe how high up we are.
On the way down the canyon I came upon a rider on a road bike. Not unusual when you ride in this canyon, what was unusual the rider was riding right by the double yellow line. I could not pass--granted it was a double yellow, but if he had moved over to the side I could have slowly gone around him. But he didn't.
When we got to Timp Cave parking lot I thought for sure he would pull over. Lots of room, but no he stayed right by the yellow line! I had to ride behind him almost to the guard shack because he would not ease over. I have to say I was a bit frustrated by this.
The other unusual thing--jeans. I cannot imagine how painful it must be to ride up AF Canyon and down in jeans, but that's what he did.
Right by the yellow lines.
Proof of the jeans--I wasn't making it up.
Tuesday June 15th - Recovery Ride
Went for an easy ride today with my husband up to the Provo Trail. On the way I got a flat tire, fixed it and we continued on our way up. On the way back I got another flat tire, tried to pump it up, but it didn't work. I did not have another tube, so my husband rode home while I waited for him come back with the car. The entire time I waited riders went by, but only one asked if I needed help. I always ask if someone needs help. One guy actually went so far as to look the other direction like he didn't see me with my flat. Glad my husband could come to the rescue again, otherwise I would have been stranded for quite some time. Three flat tires in less than a week. I think I may need to get new tires.
I believe this is the universal sign for a flat.
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