I had a great morning out on the bike this morning. I wanted to get in a long day in the saddle, but wasn’t sure how much I was going to be able to manage so I didn’t set too specific of a plan, but I did take along lots of energy snacks so that if I felt good I would be able to keep topping off my energy supplies and not worry about that.

Ultimately I managed 70.5 miles of riding, with an average speed of 16.2. The maximum speed achieved was 35.1. I was on the road for 4 hours and 20 minutes.

I felt pretty good out there. I think that I benefited from more moderate temperatures. It was probably high 80’s by the very end of the ride, but until then it had been a bearable temperature. Plus, the cloud cover for most of the morning kept the sun from baking me. Also, I never felt that I turned into any unbearable headwinds. Those can suck the life out of your legs in a few miles.

I refilled beverage bottles twice while I was out. Once at the store on top of Caraway, and again in town about 15 miles from home.

I didn’t have any lower back-ache, which means that the yoga is helping, although I did start to feel a little tired in the neck and shoulder area. I definitely need to continue doing the yoga. I think it’s made me more relaxed and supple on the bike.

This was a good test of my progress for riding the century (100 miles) at this year’s Tour to Tanglewood. I figure if I can manage a solo 70 miles I’m headed in the right direction. Now I just hope that I stay healthy and continue to build strength. The ride is about two months away.

Speaking about the Tour to Tanglewood, I hope I can encourage anyone reading this to contribute to the cause by supporting me in my ride there. I’ve set an ambitious fundraising goal, and am hoping to do a great ride and raise money to fight MS. If you can only spare a few dollars right now, that’s okay. Any contribution is appreciated. Please go here to learn more about why I ride and how you can support me at this year’s Tour to Tanglewood.