Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Finally! Facing my fears…

The original plan for our Tuesday night group ride was bike and run repeats.  The wind was pretty fierce though and there would have been a terrible crosswind on the bike intervals.  Angie switched things up and it was going to be another night of hill repeats.  The bonus with the wind was 400that it would be a tailwind pushing us up the hill.  I wasn’t so sure I was keen on hill repeats, and I was a bit worried that the bruising on my left hand would make braking tough.  But I was going to go up the hill, and if braking was an issue I would just head back.

Angie suggested that we get at least one ride up Cochrane hill – the big one!  And she suggested that we ride it first, then we could ride Gleneagles for the rest of the way.  While the elevation gain is the same regardless of the route, Cochrane hill is much steeper.Cochrane Hill Repeats
I took off up Cochrane hill.  It was time to face my fears!  As I went up and up I kept the effort nice and steady.  Sure, it was a long climb, but I felt strong the entire way.  I was doing it!  I hit the top before I knew it.  On the descent my hand felt good if I was reaching for the brakes from my drops.  Good stuff, that meant I could turn around and keep going!  I opted to go up Gleneagles for the rest of the repeats.  I noticed that I felt a weird rhythmic thump, thump, thump from my rear tire.  It wasn’t going flat…  But I’ve been having issues with my rear wheel, so what was it this time?  Turns out, my rear wheel looks like this:DSCN0263
Looks like it is time for a new tire!

12 comments:

joyRuN said...

Good job on conquering Cochrane Hill!

Another reason why I don't plunk $$ for a decent bike - I wouldn't know how to maintain the poor thing.

Lily on the Road said...

Wow, that hill is BIG! I have to learn about speed bikes, thanks for teaching me while you're learning!!

Lauren said...

I also know nothing about bikes. How'd your tire get that way? Just normal wear and tear?

Good job on the hill climb.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

WOW! Nice job on the hill, you killed it! Like Lily said, you're teaching me a lot about what to expect! :D

Marlene said...

Great job on the hills! Looks pretty intense on the graph.

Wes said...

Hills make your stronger!! Good job!!!

Lindsay said...

those are some intense hills! way to work 'em, they'll only make you stronger.

i'm with joy... no idea how to take care of my bike. hence why i got a cheapy "commuter" one and hope my dad/boyfriend can fix whatever i break :) i'm so clueless. your tire is crazy - very weird.

RunToTheFinish said...

wow seriously your workouts always make me think what a tough chick you are!!

Bob Almighty said...

Could just need a new tube....granted the tire does look a little worn out. Bit it lloks more like a pinched tube.

Also awesome Job on the hill repeats.

Bootchez said...

I'm also curious as to the diagnosis of the tire -- what the hell?
Nice hill work, too.

teacherwoman said...

Way to face your fears! Wahoo!

Badgergirl said...

Nice job on the hills!