End of a good day

The Bauxite trails were just a bit harder than AEDC but still incredibly smooth and tame. There was one minor rocky section I didn't clear on the first attempt because my shifting messed up and I was afraid that the chain had slipped into the spokes behind the cassette. That would be bad.

A little while later I was stopped at an intersection when two guys came riding up. I asked if I could ride with them and they said sure. I followed and we went down hill and had no trouble keeping up. Then the rolling hills arrived and I noticed I was sweating. Then I noticed I was breathing a little harder, then the first guy started to pull away from the second guy. We came to a slightly steeper uphill that started on a tight switchback. The second guy, Anthony missed a gear and let me by. I worked hard to catch the first guy and closed the distance to a few bike lengths as we  crested the top. Trevor (I think is his name) stopped to wait for Anthony. "Man, I said you are the Chattanooga choo-choo going up that hill." He smiled and said, "Naw, I wasn't pushing that hard. You are 40 years old right?" as he laughed. "Sorry, I am 63. It was a little harder for me." By that time I had over 10 miles in and the pace had wore me out a little so I headed back to the truck.

Back at the truck the temperature was 32 degrees so I made myself a PB and banana sandwich and ate two clementines in the beautiful sunshine and relatively warm weather. Changing clothes was a top priority as I was soaked. It is amazing how quickly sweat evaporates in cold weather. I had to put on my other coat and hat to get warm again.

From there I found the downtown Chattanooga YMCA and got myself admitted for free since I am a member of the Y in Ithaca. The facilities were very nice and I enjoyed the shower immensely. After the shower, I watched a bit of the KC vs Titans game. No joy for the Titans in the first half.

Bought dinner at Publix, fried chicken of course and now I am in my truck writing to you guys in my back seat which is also my bed. Hopefully, it won't be as cold as last night.

My intention with this blog was to be a journal of my feelings. My day is full of so many new things that require immediate attention that my introspection level is minimal. Simple things, like thinking about where I am going to shower, packing and unpacking my car, riding on unfamiliar trails, and the cold are more important to me than how I feel.

How do I feel? Not as sad. I am still lonely, yet I have no trouble meeting people and talking to them. Dinner last night with Aaron was so relaxing and enjoyable. He had some great stories and listened to my experiences concerning Sandy, my Dad, Zach and Ed. He accepted them without undo pity (ex Army special forces) and shared some of his losses in his life. If you read this Aaron -- thank you.

Still wish I was with someone on this journey but for some reason I am realizing doing this alone might be necessary for my mourning and healing process.

Tomorrow is Raccoon Mountain which is supposed to be much harder and longer than most of the trails around here.

Have a great evening.