Yesterday was a slow ride, an hour and a half of mostly slumming it in Zone 1 and low Zone 2 – whatever felt comfortable at the time. I figured it was more of an active recovery ride than a “real” training ride, and I didn’t want to be exhausted for today, which is five hours with 5,000 feet of climbing. I think I’m going to head over and tackle Mt. Diablo, if I can find my East Bay cycling map.
I am at this point gravely concerned about my speed. My Garmin Edge tells me that I’m climbing at roughly 1400′ an hour (while climbing – does not count descending time), which is not a bad speed, but not fast enough for the DR. I’m guessing I’ll have to be able to climb at 1800′ – 2000’/hour in order to complete all five passes, including time for breaks, lunch, descents, etc. Given that I have 2.75 months left and am also ramping up my cycling volume, I don’t know if that 25-40% increase in speed is possible. It’s possible that I may finish only four passes. Disappointing, but possibly more realistic?
Anyway, I’m going to continue targeting all five passes – you’ll never get there if you don’t try. And who knows, perhaps I’ll manage to finish in time…!
Off to Mt. Diablo!
you’ll get there! just look at all the things you’ve done you didn’t think you could do. speed will come soon.
how did the ride go today?