Riding a bit more

I seem to be riding a bit more this year than last.  I picked up a new riding partner that has helped me see how riders of a different level perceive bicycles and riding.  I have become aware that I am out of touch with the "normal" cyclist.  I talk to people all the time that don't ride very much but I have let my mind drift from how they view cycling and what a long ride is.  To the average cyclist (I know this isn't exact, but it is from my shop experience that I speak) riding 30 miles is a big deal.  Not just a good, healthy ride, but a BIG DEAL.  Do that 2 days in a row and we are talking some serious training that is needed and a bit of help along the way.  After 15 years of above average cycling and some serious weird riding behavior, I am coming back to realizing what "normal" people need from their bikes, and their bike shop.

So in doing this search for understanding, I have been on the bike more consistently and farther more often for most of the summer.  There were times in the last couple years where I would be a couple weeks between 25+ mile rides.  Now I am often at least a 30 miler a week and a variety of other rides in between.  As I write this, I think: "That's not very far".  But again, to a lot of people, riding 5 miles for coffee, then riding 30+ miles around town (including a sprint up Ramsey Hill), followed up by 3 hours of mountain biking the following morning would be too much.  Weirdly enough, riding more seems to be helping me see the perspective of people who do not ride much.  I don't know how, but I figure that whole gift horse thing.

My friend Ken and I rode out to Scandia Tuesday night for some burgers and beer.  We were really just going for a ride, but it turned out to be a great destination and turnaround point.  It is roughly 30 miles out to Scandia from our area of the twin cities.  We happily wandered around in roughly the right direction, found a road neither of us had ridden before, and made pretty good time to Meisters. Unfortunately it was hotter in the bar than outside where all the tables were occupied.  Thankfully the beer was cold and the burgers while maybe not deserving the "world famous" label, were tasty.  A talented waitress convinced us to drink our dessert, and we hit the road for home.  (I forgot my phone and was extremely disappointed when there were multiple picture opportunities and Ken's phone was acting up.  Consequently, no pics)

It has been hot out here in the twin cities.  Ken's post at 2:30AM when we returned home put the temp at 85 degrees F.  Even with that heat, the night was beautiful for riding.  We talked a little about the average bike rider perspective and it's always nice to have Ken as a sounding board.  He is a great rider and has a fabulous way of seeing things.

Time to check out.  I have a 40 mile ride date tomorrow morning and that is after a quick 10 mile errand that I must do before my "fun" ride.  Good thing I will put in less than 60 miles tomorrow.  That will leave reserves for Saturday morning's mountain biking, followed by 60 miles starting at midnight Sunday morning.  Hopefully people will want to do a slow ride from the bike shop Sunday afternoon.  That one is usually not more than 10 or 15 miles.

 It's a weekend to ride a little more.