I finally managed to complete the route that I tried way back on June 29th when I ran through a patch of glass and blew a tire. This time I avoided the glass and had a very satisfying ride—49 miles with an average speed of 17.2. That’s the longest ride I’ve accomplished in a long time, and for me a very good average speed.

I think this was good training for the upcoming MS: BB&T Tour to Tanglewood Ride 2008. Which, by the way, if you want to make a donation please click here. I would appreciate it very much. The cause is good. In an upcoming entry I’ll post some links that tell more about the ride and also some links to maps of the route.

I also think that just two weeks of three days each of commuting in to work on the single-speed bike have made a big difference already. I felt strong, stronger than usual, for the first 25 miles, and still good for much of the ride after that. I didn’t start to really feel the effects until the final 10 miles, and then the biggest problem I had was my lower back started to ache some. That will only be resolved by spending more time on the bike for longer distances.

All in all I’m very happy with today’s ride.

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