Two windy days back to back. Yesterday I rode to Spring Valley as that is my Northern route when the wind is blustering from the South. A 20=30 mile "breeze" inspired the 50 miler. Having arrived sooner than expected I called the "lovely" Veronica to inquired as to her location. At 20 miles away, having just passed Varna, I suggested I start riding back and would meet here on the south side of the bridge which crossed the Fox river just outside Spring Valley. That meant I would ride into the 30 mile wind and climb a bridge at 12 percent grade. Another challenge. As I was attacking the bridge in climbing mode/granny gear I heard the blaring of a car horn. It was my ride going in the opposite direction. Startled, I slowed my ascent but was still able to climb. Then, my ride passed me and stopped on the shoulder blocking my path. Ronni thought I would like a ride but I had not accomplished what I set out to do. Stopping, I told her I would meet her at our proposed site on the south side of the bridge. She drove off and now I was in quite a delima. How would I get enough power to begin my ascent. Normally, when climbing mountains, after a stop, I would start our at an angle to get momentum. At this point it was not an option. So, grabbing the side of the bridge and pushing as well as powering my pedals, I was able to restart. Coming down the north side of the bridge, reminded me of our climb into the Ortiz mountains north of Albuquerque a few years ago. The wind was so strong in our face I used "granny" gear on the downhills. Thus, I was in granny gear coming down the north side of the bridge. The good news is that all ended well.
Today's ride was a 50/50 ride with a strong 20 mile wind in my face half the time. The other half was a severe cross wind. As a result I only achieved a 20 mile ride. but it was quite arduous. Two good days of outside riding, even with the conditions explained, is still better that riding in the basement. And that it for now.
