This past Friday was the “first day of the rest of my life”. I have been coaching girls’ basketball this year and our season came to an end Thursday evening when we were beaten in the playoffs. So, immediately after school on Friday (I am a high school math teacher), instead of giving hours to basketball practice or hours devoted to the responsibilities of coaching, I headed straight home to get back in the saddle again!

When I got home, I checked the weather channel for the direction of the wind and temperature, and changed into my brand new bike shorts and gear. After the normal pre-ride routine and strapping on my Bodylink, I carried my bike downstairs and was officially back in the saddle, again!

Initially, the entire “feel” of my bike was somewhat awkward. I use PowerCranks, and was surprised at how quickly I adapted to riding in my aeorbars – last season it seemingly took me a week to be able to ride in the aero position for more than 5 minutes! Though the wind was awful (there were gusts up to 40 mph and we were under a “red flag alert”!) and being pelted by the residual sand (from all the ice and snow we have experienced) was a little obnoxious, I was excited about the opportunity to be on my bike and getting my bike legs back.