Distance: 62 km
Time: 2:15
Some rides just seem completely effortless. On rides like these, your pedal stroke is so smooth and easy, your mind crystal clear and full of positive energy, that time goes by so quickly that you begin to wonder if you have actually been in the saddle for 4+ hours and not in some bizarre suspended dream state. And then there are the efforts that feel like a slog no matter what their duration—a single hour can sometimes feel like four. On today’s ride, Day Four of the Rapha Festive 500 Challenge, I found myself somewhere in between those two states; not quite as effervescent as on my previous three rides, but not nearly so down and out that I would just pack it in and head home. Sometimes, no matter how hard we search, poetry eludes us and a ride becomes just a another ride, getting on with the work. Maybe it was that I chose a route today that I’ve ridden more times than I can count. Or maybe is was that I wanted to get home for some holiday cheer with the family. (Mostly the latter.) Regardless, it was a beautiful day all around and with 405 km officially logged for the Challenge, I’m going to spend tomorrow sitting down (on the couch and then to an awesome dinner at our favorite restaurant) for a well-deserved rest day.
Just the facts:
