Today's ride was about hills and dogs.
I was sick today. Hard to ride when you have to vomit. Imagine it's cumulative heat issues. And the first 50 miles had more climbing than any of the previous days - over 100 miles - so quite challenging
The dogs were out early and in force. And when you are at the back of the group they get you. The first folks by wake them up then they come after who is last! One particular dog got 3 of us at a base of a steep climb - so there went any momentum. And then it kept crisscrossing the road - 3 times! So we really couldn't get going until it gave up. So now we're further behind and fighting to catch up! That happened to me two times today!
I rallied after we stopped - but up next was a really tough loop. On the steep climbs where I'm not powerful enough to keep up I rocket down the climbs - Heidi says its because I've got a lot of junk in my truck! But truly that skill is my saviour. On this loop it kept me out front and let me get up the climbs. On the shallower climbs that are my forte I was able to sit back and spin up and still stay up front. One pair of dogs caught me on one of the climbs while I was up front - I just talked to them and kept climbing - they kept their line and I kept mine!
Couldn't eat today - hard to take in calories when you need to vomit - so the last 35 miles got progressively worse. And it's still hot. And one point I could hardly pedal. Would rally and catch up, then crack spectacularly - rinse and repeat. Finally I gave in and the group limped me in
Cooled off, some food, shower, quick nap, massage, dinner, ice cream. Hopefully tonight I can sleep!
On to Terre Haute tomorrow!
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