Rolling

The third major tour is going on right now in Spain with the only American on top after eight stages. Levi is riding in support of Alberto Contador. His strong time trial ride gave him the golden jersey. After a few days out of the lead, he got back in by just riding a strong stage today. Interesting tactics for Team Astana, they sent Contador up the road to blow up the race and let Levi sit back and ride easy. Although the mountains haven't been terrifically steep, Contador has been able to put some time into his rivals but not much. The steeper mountains are coming and Levi will be well rested to help Contador when the road turns up in stages 13 and 14. Excitement!

After riding the Col de Ashland, I can understand what a long, grueling climb can do to a rider's legs. Maybe not so much on the day of the ride but the next few days the fatigue sets in and the riding is harder. I felt the pain early in the week. I got on the bike on Monday for 50. It took the first 25 to get the legs loose. It didn't help that it was cooler weather either but once loose, I could ride fine. Tuesday was a rest day but I could feel my legs as I sat in budget review meetings. Wednesday night I got back on the bike for a short 21+ mile ride and I could feel the strength coming back but it was still there. If I had ridden longer, I feel my legs would have come back. Thursday was the payoff day. I rode to work and hit the hills on the way home. I rode in bigger gears and got up hills faster than before. The climb to the green house and up over Gibb cemetary was done in almost a minute less time. I was blown away as I stood to climb up the final quarter mile to the top of Gibb. I felt good. Granted, I am not a pro nor have the fitness of a pro but I understand a bit better now how a hard day in the saddle affects subsequent performances. Saturday was a calm 45 mile ride to Gaston, down to Yamhill, and back to Newberg over Laughlin road. All told 141+ miles for the week, putting me at 4,160 miles for the year. I can smell 5K. I hope the weather holds for a few more weeks so I can continue to put a dent into the last few hundred miles.

Craig had a game on Saturday. He is starting to get the game. He had a few tackles and a fumble recovery. I enjoyed walking the sideline talking to him about the game. He looked good.