Good Stuff
I’ve been riding a lot of miles. I broke a few records on Sunday. I’ve ridden two centuries in a little over a month. I hit 3000 miles of cycling for the year during my commute today. I’m well on track to get 5000+ miles for the year.
The depression that was really affecting me earlier this year has gone away. I’m sure it’ll come back again some day, and I’ll have to cope. Overall, I’ve been feeling really good recently.
Bad Stuff
My eating has been crazy. It’s partially from being hungry from riding. It’s partially due to treating myself to beer, pizza, ice cream, steak, and similiar items much too often.
I haven’t had any real weight loss since March of 2009! That sickens me. I know weight is just a number, but I still have a gut. I feel like I’m way too fit for this gut. I’ve got to lose the gut. Damn the gut!
I’m having comfort issues on my newest bike, Surly Sue, the LHT. Although I’ve ridden two 100-miles rides on that bike, the recent rides have left me with possible ulnar nerve issues in my left hand. I also have some saddle issues to figure out. As such, I’m riding Oria, my recumbent, more often, as there is no pressure on the hands. I will get a bike fit to help get comfortable again, but in the meantime it’s nice to have another option.
What’s Next?
I’m trying to get my eating under control. I had started my “food diary” back up a while ago, but that didn’t last long. I need to track what I eat.
I’ve decided that I need a fast bike. Both my current bikes are designed to be comfortable for hauling stuff long distances. Neither is really designed to be fast. After much thought, I think my fast bike will be a recumbent. Probably a Bacchetta Strada. It won’t be until at least next year until I can afford one, but that’s the plan.
Dave, the Strada is a good choice for a fast bike. I would know…
I’ve been seeing things here and there talking about fitness vs. appearance. I know a fair number of folks who can ride the wheels off a bike (to say nothing of out-riding a few who are pretty slim in appearance) but who carry a few extra inches here and there.
Keep it all in perspective. Perspective helps offset that depression, too.
The Strada looks awesome. I hope you’ll give us a good write-up if/when you do buy one!
I went out for LBC’s A Good First Century on Sunday (bonked at mile 70 b/c I couldn’t eat, but still pretty stoked I made it that far, considering I was pretty much off the bike for six weeks due to an injury right before) and got saw a ton of ‘bents — especially tandems, oddly enough! They look like a lot of fun to ride, and they really are impressively fast on any kind of downhill grade at all.
The longer rides really bring out any fit issues, don’t they?
I have dealt with some of my issues on my Bianchi by getting new handlebars (nice wide Nitto Noodles, same as I have on my LHT), swapping saddles, and buying new gloves. I have found that Specialized gloves seem to work very well for me.
I certainly understand the desire for a faster bike. I don’t know anything about recumbents, but you seem to like them. I can definitely see how they might be more comfortable. Why not?
I have the same gut problems. I keep telling myself I’ll watch what I eat and drink, but I never seem to do it. Bah!
“Damn the gut” is right! I’m having the same problem. When I started my blog in January as a way to motivate myself to get fit and lose weight, I had good intentions. Seven months later I’ve lost nothing and I’m still eating crappy, fattening foods. It’s a difficult habit to change. It’s a comfort though to know that I’m not alone. Hang in there and don’t get discouraged. You’re doing great. And riding a lot more than I seem to have time for.
Damn you, you hairy little (big) gut!!