Elevation Profile for The “Lasso” 30-miler

I’ve been able to cycle at least once a week for the past several weeks now. Every so often, however, I have one of those “power” weekends where I get in two or even three bike rides.

This weekend I enjoyed two great and very different rides.

Ride #1 – The “Lasso” – 30 mile Crownridge Ride (Ride map & details):
I joined fellow cyclist Marco and his friend Bob on a 30-mile ride up and down the grueling hills on Babcock and Boerne Stage Roads. The word I often associate with this ride is “brutal” and this experience was no exception. I attacked one of the hills about seven miles into the ride – a move I’d later regret as I had quite an “empty tank” for awhile before recovering. Despite all my comments about how tough this course is, it really delivers a solid, cardio workout that is hard to beat. Speaking of beats, this ride saw my heart rate into the 180 beats-per-minute territory with a solid 18 minutes in the dreaded “Zone 5″ which is a heart rate between 90-100% of max.

Ride #2 – Hollywood Park – 7 mile Ride (Ride map & details):
Like most new fathers, I’ve developed a sense of awe for my wife. She is up at all hours of the night feeding our daughter (and since we’re not using formula at this stage, Daddy just doesn’t have the equipment to satisfy our daughter’s empty tummy) and having had an evening or two alone with Sara I’ve realized just how difficult it can be to try to get things done while you’re trying to keep your baby comforted and happy. It was a real pleasure today, thanks to Grandma & Grandpa’s offer to babysit, to join my wife for her second “getting back in the saddle” ride to get back to her pre-pregnancy fitness levels. We enjoyed a great ride in scenic Hollywood Park and completed the ride before temperatures got too unbearable.

Soon we’ll be taking my wife to Bicycle Heaven to purchase a new road bike. She’s looking forward to experiencing all that road biking has to offer and we both know how much road biking will help in improving overall fitness.

If you’re trying to find a form of exercise that you can stick with, consider a reunion with your bicycle. Cycling has a LOT to offer!