even when your not at your strongest you can still be near your best

Well today i went out twice, a nice ride just under 70km with Colm, a nice pace, lovely weather and a bit of chat along the way an enjoyable ride great having bit of chat on way, alot of my distance has been solo so a nice change, then went out in evening to push it and see how i cope with cruagh road its been a while since i gave it a go, the results were good.

The morning started with meeting up to ride some of flat roads of kildare, we hit athgoe hill were we set good pace and both set a good time, we then did some backroads headed to naas then came back from the other back roads, good pace but fierce wind coming back, and a bit of drag too so a test of ones legs. A good spin that flew for me and by god some serious weather too, the tan line is getting worse but thats a sign of ones commitment to the cause.

Decided go out in the evening before dinner and do the cruagh road and see were my level was at, didnt feel too good, and wouldnt say i pushed the limits but i did push on, on the old bike i was impressed to take a minute and half off my time for the cruagh road climb, and about 2 minutes off the full climb, delighted as didn't expect it would be that much if i did improve my times, it was hot their but think iv gotten more resistant to the heat on the bike and a more consistent pedalling style on climbs to keep the pedals spinning at an even tempo.

All going well really, logging good miles, getting my weight down, eating well and having a bit of treat here and their. Going relax Saturday head out when i get up for little while and enjoy what should be a great cycling stage in the giro. Hoping we can get nearer the grand mark for money raised before i go fund raising has stalled a little. 2 months till the trip and i have say im feeling prepared my climbing is better and im strong, and my arse has gotten use to that poor excuse for a seat called a saddle.

Before the picture i leave with a little climbing poem;

The climb is steep,
the pace is hard,
if you can go quicker,
the pain will be over,
but your breath will be heavy,
and sweat will drip down your brow,
you'll ask yourself why,
but deep down you'll know,
the legs will hurt,
your back will be sore,
but as long as you finish,
you should be happy for sure.
The mountain rose thru the clouds,
but your not at top of it all.