Back to the Grindstone

Just because I won my Half Ironman last week is no excuse for me to rest on my laurels. So today I went out for a ride on 9W. 9W can be a grind, but the fun part of riding there is that all the reindeer come out to play - bike teams, cycling clubs, triathletes, recumbent riders, and even a few decent mountain bikers all enjoy the wide shoulders and rolling hills. I like to ride up from Brooklyn as a warm-up (why sit on a train when you can exercise?) so I can really push the big ring once I hit the Jersey pavement.

Today I arrived about 9, just in time to see a few other triathlon "teams" (as if such a concept would really work in an individual sport!) gathering to ride. I gave the TriLife and Terrier Tri fools my best cold stare and took off quick so they'd see that they'd better not mess with me. I knew they were all jealous of my sick bike and awesome new outfit (I decided to show off my new trikini - why save it just for racing?).

On my way home I got passed by a few guys on a bike team going about 25 mph in a "paceline." I don't like getting passed, so I jumped on the back. I stayed in aero to make sure I could exert the least amount of energy possible. We were cruising down 9W - WEEEE! Passing all the bento-box carrying, yellow jersey wearing "roadies." When I had had enough of taking it easy I decided to kick things up a notch and make these guys chase me. I stealthily pulled out from behind without saying a word when the shoulder narrowed. HA! That sure scared them. The guy in front of me called out "Whoah!" I thought roadies were supposed to have good bike handling skills. Staying in aero I powered up to the front and gave the leader my best intimidating stare. I thought I heard him say "Let her go!" to his friends. Usually men can't handle being beaten by a woman, but it seemed like I finally met a few guys who had the egos to admit they were no match for TRIGAL.

Sandyman

Took my Sandbike to Harriman today for a few loops. What a great investment that bike was! After five 14 mile loops (I ran the last loop of course) my legs are going to be primed for my Half Ironman next weekend. Thanks to my Sandbike, it wasn't just an average day in Harriman. It was actually a little difficult for me to get up those hills on my fourth loop. I couldn't stay in my big chain ring as I usually do. Ha! I guess this is was age groupers feel like. (As someone who usually podiums in my races, I can't really consider myself an age grouper).

I even saw some people from my neighborhood out on the course, struggling to get up the hills, of course. As I passed them they asked (between gasping breaths) where my usual beautiful bike the Black Ninja was. I told them the truth - that it was in the shop getting tuned for next weekend's big race. I also told them about my Sandbike (I guess they didn't read that entry on my blog) to explain why I was a little bit slower than usual. I don't want those losers to think that they can normally keep up with me. I mean, this one guy, A., he could almost ride with me on the uphills but I blew him out on the downhills. That's what happens when you have 35 pounds of steel between your legs, baby!

After my 14 mile run I took a cooling dip in Lake Sebago. The lake was officially closed, but I said EFF THAT! and dove in to swim a few miles. Some portly park worker was yelling at me when I emerged, saying she had called the park rangers to arrest me or some bee-ess. I just ignored her and got in my car and drove home. Sometimes you've got to take your warrior mentality to the MAX! And sometimes warriors have to break "the law."