When is it nice to get into a westuit and swim in a lake that is only 14.5c (58f)? Answer : when the air temperature is only 11c. A cool north wind has been blowing and made the water temperature feel warm. I am sure the ocean water in Vancouver will be colder, but last year it was Ok, so I am hoping for the same this year. I swam out and around the Island 3 times this morning and I guess the distance is 2500m. I need to use a gps and get and accurate measurement. Maybe this weekend??
Back home to get the GURU ready for the ride. Fluids ( I barely brought enough) , nutrition and shoes attached ready for a flying leap!!! My neighbours only gave me a 4 out of 10. It wasn't pretty but I did not end up on the ashphalt. So far my highest was an 8 out of 10. I think my neighbours think I am crazy. Why is a grown man in his "late" 40's doing such a silly thing. Listening to System of a Down and also Lady Gaga do not seem to make the norm either? I am glad I have great neighbours that understand why I go for a bike ride when the yard needs some TLC.
After my flying mount,,, and almost wipeout, I headed north first to get a bit of a hill in while I headed south. Heading south meant I had a tailwind for about 45 km!!! I love a tailwind.
The hill looks like it goes to the sky, but it is actually not that long or that steep. With the north wind I actually had to pedal fairly hard going down the hill on the other side.
Some nice scenery with a bit of snow on the mountains in the background.
Mount Washington, next right,,, I don't think so for today!!! This year is a year off,,, only a few Half Ironman races. Last year while I was training for Ironman Canada I would make the right turn and head up the mountain for some great hill training. Next year it is in the agenda also, but for now it feels good to cruise right past :)
Ok, just after the turn around at about 56km,,,, this means now I have 44 km of headwind. From what I can remember, the Vancouver race has a headwind in every direction so I try to embrace the wind and consider it good for training. Yes, my neighbours must be correct, I am crazy!! 44km in the aero position, no use sitting up and loosing speed. A lot of the ride back home was in the small chain ring, trying to keep the cadence up at 90rpm
The Vancouver Island Queen K!! Almost back to Campbell River now, heading north for 15km further then 180 turn and head back up the first hill at about 100k into the ride. Then mostly flat with the tailwind now. High gear, high cadence, and high speed, well, for me high speed :)
Ahh, finally, home and an ice bath!! A recovery drink and some reading material. The lake was at 14.5c so guess what the bath started out at,,, yup, 14.5c. And if I add all the ice from the ice maker where will the temperature drop to. Try 9.5c (50f)brr, a bit chilly, but it warmed up to 10!!! A few trips into the garage to spin on the GURU and then back to the ice bath. Three times total today and by then I really needed to get into a hot shower.
The GURU, in it's bedroom, resting for the next training ride before the Vancouver race. I guess I better get to bed and rest also :)
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