Finding My Roadie "Mojo"

But then again...maybe I never had it.

Yes, it's a road bike. Yes, believe it or not I have been riding it this weekend. Sadly enough I've found out how woefully inadequate my fitness level actually is. The infrequency of my road rides and weekly rides has left my cardiovascular system and legs greatly in debt. Also, the fact that I just don't enjoy road rides as much. However, they are necessary to acquire the desired level fitness that I would like to have.This quandary has gotten me to thinking once again about where I am at as a cyclist. Let's face it...at 52 years of age I am not what I once used to be particularly when it comes to fitness levels.
It's also led me to think about "why" do I enjoy riding? Well, I can tell you that it isn't the group rides, speed work, interval training, pace, cadence, peak heart rate, etc. It's the freedom! The freedom I enjoy just being out on the bike. It's the world that I see from the bike that causes me to enjoy riding.
Now don't get me wrong, group rides can be fun. The speed is exhilarating and the camaraderie is second to none. However, along with that comes the stress, focus, and concentration needed to keep the pace and maintain a good line. I get enough of that during the work day and don't need more of it while on a bike ride. I feel that when this happens you're letting too much slip by unnoticed.
Saturday's ride left me questioning myself, my diet, the amount of rest I get...sleep! Why am I up at 4 a.m. writing this post? Anyway, I could tell after the first few miles that it was not going to feel very good and that I was not going to be very happy with where I was at physically. The last few miles found me suffering and just wanting to get the hell off of the bike. Of course it was 92 F and there was a pretty stiff breeze, which both added to that tired feeling. Let's face it...I was wasted and I had only gone about forty-nine miles.
Sunday morning found me up rather early so I headed out on the road earlier than anticipated. Surprisingly enough, I could tell right away that I was feeling different. My legs had life, drive, a perkiness in them that they didn't have the day before. I covered much of the same territory as I had ridden the previous day and ended up with 57 miles for the day. Upon finishing, my legs didn't have that stale feeling that they had acquired the day before. They actually felt fresh and were wanting a bit more.
I'm looking forward to another good ride today. Not sure where I will go or how far. That doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that I am out on the bike enjoying myself and my surroundings. Hopefully I won't run into the beehive of triathletes that I encountered on Sunday. They seemed uptight and made me feel a little nervous and self conscious about my riding.The amigos are heading to the Afton and Stillwater area to tackle hills and rack up miles. I've declined to go along because I didn't want to be the caboose on the train. Last year this turned out to be one of my better rides hopefully in a few weeks I'll be ready.So, in the meantime, I'll continue to get out and ride and enjoy the world as I see it from the saddle of my bike.