Training Update

Indeed I managed 4 out 5 days commuting that week for a total of 120 miles. Patrick and I tacked on another 45 on Saturday (4/21) and viola, 165 miles for the week! Not too bad. Unfortunately last week failed to be a repeat performance. In fact, I didn't get a ride in at all; a decent swim and a good 9 mile run, but no ride until yesterday.

Mark, Patrick and I ventured out on our bikes from South City and rode 23 miles to meet the Monsanto Mavericks near Creve Couer Lake (CCL) for the official "kick-off" event. There were about 30 riders and we split into 3 groups (12 miles, 17 miles and 22 miles). We opted for the long route and headed towards St. Charles on River Rd., S. River Road, and Old River Road until we hit the North end of the district and picked up Main Street - it was a nice stretch. On the way back, Patrick, Burt and I powered out about 10 miles (last 5 at about 23.5 mph) and arrived at the picnic site to a warm welcome by the Monsanto Maverick volunteers. We scarfed some pasta salad and a veggie burger, downed some water and greeted fellow Mavericks as they joined us. Patrick and I had to get back home, so we topped off our water bottles, saddled up and tackled the hill from CCL up to Dorsett.

The ride home was smooth and fast; the wind at our back and a long downhill stretch on Midland. By the time I reached home, the QR had logged another 67.5 miles, longest ride of the season, in just under4 hours. She's gone over 1000 miles this year (current odometer is about 1554) and I estimate at least another 2000 before the MS Bike Tour.