First Group Ride of the Year

Last night was the first week that I’ve made it to the ladies’ group ride this year. I really forgot how much I enjoy it! The miles seemed to fly by as I chatted and caught up with many of my friends from last year. I always seem to ride a little faster with the group than I do alone, too.

It was a beautiful, warm, sunny evening for a ride. However, the more roads I cover around Grand Rapids this spring, the more I notice the lack of road repair being done. The city’s road budget got slashed this year, so I think many of the cracks and pot holes are here to stay.

As much as I enjoyed catching with everyone, it was sad to find out that my friend, Jamie, who rode the Holland Hundred century with me last year is moving to Cincinnati next week. Her job transferred her to their office down there. I will miss her. I wish her the best of luck!

Yesterday was supposed to be a brick workout, so I planned to run right after the ride instead of getting dinner and beers with the girls. But I realized part way through the evening that that was silly. I could run for 15 minutes and still join the ladies practically before they even had a chance to order their food.

So I did run, and they saved me a seat. The waitress added my order to the mix, and it came out with everyone else’s. Perfect.

I may have to skip the week of the triathlon, when I’m supposed to be tapering. But I am so glad to be back in the swing of the group ride!

Thursday, May 20, 2010
Group Bike Ride – 27.3 miles, Run 17 min (2.2 miles)
The group ride was a blast! I kept a good pace and pushed up the hills, which is good practice for Ann Arbor. When I transitioned to the run, which was also hilly, my legs felt like sausages, but I kept a good pace anyway (7:48 miles). I wonder if I’ll be able to maintain a pace like that on the AA course?