That was my sentiment today as I stared up at the overcast sky and felt a light mist fall on my face.
I’d just arrived at nearby Bullis Park and was going on a bike ride despite Mother Nature’s prescription of drizzle with temps in the mid-50’s.
My road bike is quite familiar with Bullis Park as this picturesque location is a popular starting point for a variety of fast routes characterized by rolling hills and scenes of farm animals grazing peacefully in wide-open fields.
But staring up at me this afternoon was not my Felt F75 but my Trek Valencia. I chose the Valencia because the wider tires, disc brakes, full mirror and stable handling would be perfect assets to deal with the unsavory weather.
I also made a decision to liven things up by forcing myself to do the entire ride in the big chainring.
So off I went…and wow was I impressed.
This was probably my first true “fitness ride” on the Valencia and it passed with flying colors. It was a nice change to be spinning along having a new experience on a very familiar route.
I took a quick break in “downtown” Bulverde where I find a colorful building to snap a photo or two as an interesting back drop.
Instead of feeling slow and cumbersome (the Valencia is a good 10-15lbs heavier than my road bike) on this ride, I felt comfortable and in full control. I kept my heart rate solidly in the “target zone” and 58 minutes later finished up the ride feeling energized.
Mission Accomplished!
