Rain or Shine

It was a difficult week to find time to ride. Every few months I have a week like this one. It wasn't work that was difficult or overly time consuming - it was the volunteer church work.

Side bar: Work is always a challenge. I remember the C telling my friend in Simi who is the GM that I needed to be challenged to stick at a job. I still remember the response. It was to the effect that everyday is a challenge at Milgard. Definitely! In a work place that stries to continually improve, challenge is part of the game.

Back to business: What was time consuming was the time spent involved in church activities. I got out on Monday night for 20. Then the fun began. Tuesday was Mutual/Scouts. I still managed to get in 19 but this was the last ride till Saturday. Wednesday was a Stake activity in McMinnville, Thursday was Stake Temple night, and Friday was a campout. For the campout, litte chilly got to come with me and hang out. He needed to sign off on several items for his 2nd class scout badge. He is only a few requirements away from getting it. By May, at the next Court of Honor, he will get it. I have no doubt that by his 12th birthday, he will get his first class and surpass me in my Scouting endeavors on his way to Eagle. I am so proud of him and his effort to progress in Scouting and get it done.

Saturday was an eventful day. At the campout, we got up early, cooked and ate breakfast, and decided to break camp. One of the boys had to be back by 9 AM so we all decided to go. The weather was not promising anyway. I got back, changed and headed to watch the fish swim in a water polo match. She did well, scored a goal, and played tough defense. From last year, she is much improved. I was amazed. It just goes to show the amount someone can improve with focus. I left after the game and came home, changed, and hit the road for a long spin. I knew I needed just a hair over 60 to get the century for the week. I had to keep the streak alive. I was cold, windy, and wet. I decided to head South - wet and hills don't go well together. I figured I'd ride the Champoeg loop twice. If on the first it was bad, I'd head back in. If it was good, another lap for the goal. The first half lap was cold, with a strong head wind and wet roads. The second half of the lap was much better as I had the tail wind, cruising at 20+ MPH. It was so windy that by the time I got back around on the second lap, the roads had went from puddles and standing water to bone dry. I rode 3 x 30 minutes Tempo intervals with 10 minute rest periods. After the second one, my legs ached bad. I had not eaten well the day before - remember the campout. Yeah! Not the ideal food to prep for a long ride. As I am riding back into Newberg, the black clouds had covered the city and hail began to fall. Glad I was wearing a helmet. I was running a little late so I headed right to the pool to catch the fish's last game. The tempo was a bit different from earlier in the day. Game 4 of 4 was a little slower. She had moved over to the sprinter position for the start of each half and won the ball for each one. They ended the tourney undefeated. Congrats!

After getting home, I showered, changed, and the C and I headed to a Passover Seder. I enjoyed my first Seder and learning a bit more about Jewish traditions. At a little after 7 PM, we rolled into the house, tired and ready to relax.

All told, a little over 100 miles on the week. This next week isn't as "scheduled" so time will be more available. STP recommended training miles for this week - 140 miles.

See ya on the road...