Today's ride was intended to be a long one. Out of the sheltered areas where the city is and south of Denver on any of several high ridges, the west wind, about 15 mph gusting to at least 25 mph, made riding straight impossible.  Even staying on the bike required a lot of concentration.  Hess hill is 15 miles from home and about two miles of 4% grade followed by two more miles at 6%--8%. The road over Hess hill goes mainly west so it was a tough one today. Then, after earning a joyride going down on the far side, I dared to go only about 12 mph because the wind tried to steer for me. This is a hill that calls for at least 35 mph.

After only 2.5 hours and only 35 miles, I bailed out to ride another day. This is not a luxury that I'll have this summer but that's another day, too.  Going up Hess hill was a test of will so maybe it counts as a mental workout of which there will be more this summer.  Two weeks to go.

May 17, 2013  ---  Today's ride was a little longer and a sign that I might be ok this summer.  The cumulative effect of consecutive days and miles remains uncertain.  If I'd been doing consecutive long days, I would know but I haven't.  Hess hill was easier this time although I'm not any faster.  I had good legs all the way to the end and that's the encouraging bit.