At 2pm today, I thought I was a beast. Despite only having done one true road ride in the past four months, I felt like I was in strong cycling shape. After riding and training exclusively with a single speed Tricross since arriving in CA, I felt more powerful and had really improved my standing pedaling endurace.

At 3:15pm, I thought I was a beast. I was confidently pushing the big ring while cruising on the flats, and was getting excited to attack the rest of today's ride. Forcing myself to push the 48x17 gearing on my single speed had really helped me generate some much needed power throughout my pedal stroke.

At 3:30pm, I felt like I got punched in the face and kicked in the nuts. Instead of doing my planned 40 mile route along Calaveras Road through some beautiful back country hills, I ended up only doing 20. Once I hit the climbs, it all fell apart. I foolishly decided to go on a ride 30 minutes after eating a very late, and fairly massive lunch. Unfortunately, once the efforts stepped up in intensity, my stomach started a protest of its own. I decided to turn around when I was almost through my water bottles, but let's be honest. I would've thrown in the towel and ran even if I had a SAG behind me. It was that bad. Even without the stomach problems though, I don't think I would've made it all the way. I struggled mightily today.

It's experiences like this that really show me how much more I need to improve before I can consider myself a decent cyclist. I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger on the SuperSix, because I don't deserve a bike that great right now. As penance, I forced myself to hit up some weights post ride and will be eating a large serving of humble pie tonight.

I will return for you Calaveras Road. And when I do, I will destroy you.