Finally! First Outdoor Ride of the Year

Co-organized by Coach Bob and the Wilkes/Raynor group, a large group of about 20 riders met at Fishback Creek at 1 pm (several riders with too much time and energy had already ridden a bunch of hills). I saw a lot of friends I haven't seen in months. The plan was to ride up to the industrial park at Anson and do some fast laps. The ride up to Anson was spirited, and by the time we got to Anson, I wasn't much inclined to ride fast circuits. Fortunately, Professor Murphy shared my disinclination. After pedaling around for a bit, the two of us took off and headed north to Lebanon, then toward Whitestown, across Michigan Road to Little Eagle Creek, then over to Zionsville, before heading home. Finished with more than 2.5 hours and 45 miles on the bike.

Today's ride confirmed (yet again) that riding indoors on a trainer is really nothing like riding outdoors. Interestingly, what I notice most the first time out each year is the ache in my upper arms, shoulders, and neck from the bumps and road noise.Anyway, it was great to be outdoors again. Hopefully, it won't be another month before we get outside again.