I rode out through, and over, Prentice Cooper State Park, in a big loop back into town – put in another 65 miles – I was happy to discover it to be way easier and faster this time, my second time around.
It took me 2.5 hours to complete the distance. This was my test to see how long it would take to ride to my girlfriend’s home in SC for Thanksgiving – the math doesn’t work – it would take me, at that rate, 10 hours of riding time each way. I put that into the context of also needing some energy for hiking and being social and realized that my plans for taking the next longer ride were going to be thwarted. It’d be too much of a stretch.
It’s important to make sure you stretch in a way that is the next comfortable stretch, to not blow out your comfort zone, or have a crap experience that makes you wanna stop your progress altogether.
Success was to be found in testing out having a long (for me!) day and then hopping back on and riding again the next day, to see what that feels like. I have been toying around with riding across the country to Tahoe, in 100 mile increments. 2,367 miles = 24 days @ 100 miles/day, without any days off. And, it would take 19 days at 120 miles/day. All of this motorcycle math gives me an idea for next and future incremental stretches.
I got a phone call on the way back to the house, letting me know that my heated motorcycle jacket had come into the Cycle Gear shop. I added another 10 miles to my ride to go pick it up. Was tickled that I wasn’t daunted by this additional foray.
And then, I’m not sure how I finagled this one, but after having been able to put in another 75 miles in the saddle today, getting to pick up my heated jacket liner (early Christmas present??), I walked in the door to the smell of turkey in the oven!
I had an early, Monday Thxgiving together with HHH, Handsome, Hottie Hubby before he bolts the state, again, sigh). Very lucky gal!!
Happy Thanksgiving!! Much love to everyone and their families this week. Please travel safe!! 😘
Smarter-Not-Harder U 