I am currently in a professional school and unlike college, I am getting paid. Because of this I feel compelled to apply myself, again, this is unlike college. The result is that I am spending many hours a night reading, writing, and studying for exams. So in my free time I have to make some choices; I can ride my bike, spend time with family, study, or write on this blog. You guessed it, the blog gets neglected. The great thing is, I have been working hard on cycling.
Since I am an introvert and borderline anti-social, I typically ride alone. However, I have changed that up a little bit. The LBS, Santa Fe Trail Bikes has well organized group rides. This has forced me to challenge myself. My style of riding is push it when I feel like it, slow down when I feel like it, stop when I feel like it......I think you get the point. However, when I am around this group I feel compelled to push myself, even to the point of racing. Many of the riders are genuinely fast and I work hard to keep up with them and by the end of the 25 mile rides I am done in.
While pushing it that hard is not my style it has helped me a lot. Additionally, I entered a cycle-cross race. I have never officially raced before that, mainly because I don't see the point of paying a whole bunch of money to lose. I obviously take the Ricky Bobby approach "if you ain't first, your last" since I don't win anything to make the entry fee worth while. Anyway, I decided to challenge myself and do it anyway. More on that another day!
In Pain!
I have also been enjoying the vast amount of gravel roads that Kansas/Missouri has to offer. I had to back out of one great looking event because of the large amount of studying I have. However, I also entered a ride called Gravelicous. That was a challenge, more on that another day!
Look at the size of my Quads (in an attempt to get you to look away from the dumb look on my face)! BTW, that look is pain.
Overall, I have less time to tinker with bikes and ride, but I have been making the most of the opportunities I have.
