Hard Days Night

I really thought I was getting over this cold and it’s still rearing it’s ugly head. I didn’t sleep well last night because of the coughing. I woke up fatigued with an 80 mile day staring me in the face. I did okay through the first 60 miles but the last 20 seemed endless. There was 4,500 feet of climb today and my legs were like jelly by the time we rolled into the Evangelical Free Church in Clinton Corners, NY.

Dick and Dave riding the rough gravel

The ride was mostly through beautiful rural countryside with the Catskill Mountains in the background. We did ride a short section of a very primitive and rough Rails to Trails path. My road bike hated it and continually wanted to buck me off the seat. Eventually we got to the beautiful Empire Trail that took us across the Hudson Valley on the amazing Hudson Valley Skyway.

The beautiful path leading to the Skyway

Riding across the Skyway

Dave, Myself, Jacob, Ron, and Dave on the Skyway Bridge.

It was after that incredible crossing that my legs and body became weary.

I plan on being in bed at 8:30 tonight with a 96 mile ride planned for tomorrow. I pray my body can handle the long milage and 6,000 feet of climbing.

On a positive note I loved the new biking shorts I received from Aero/Tech Designs. The shorts have pockets perfectly placed so you can easily and securely carry a cellphone. This came in handy today when grabbing for a phone and taking pictures while pedaling. The Innovative padding in the seat area sure made riding the very rough gravel trail more comfortable. I definitely give these biking shorts a double thumbs up.