ALLISON MANN

This is going to skip around a bit so bear with me.

Wednesday during our intervals we were descending the hill and 2 cyclists pulled up behind us at the light. One was a guy that used to race and train locally and that worked with Justin and I when we first got into bike riding. I never rode with him much (I was really slow), but I remember one time he asked me, “Well, how many people do you pass climbing San Juan?” “None. I never pass anyone.”

Truth. I remember climbing SJT one weekend and seeing this woman hammering a single speed out of the saddle just leaving me in the dust. I wanted so much to be able to do that. I probably had my Surly 1×1 at the time, but couldn’t fathom riding it on a trail like San Juan. I’d never be that fast or good at riding!

At some point over the following year or two I did ride SJT on my single speed and I had fun and I eventually passed a few people while climbing it too.

Progress is a funny thing. Sometimes when I’m riding San Juan I still think of PJ’s question that day. It was good to (briefly) see him again. But, we were doing work!

Wednesday also marked our last official lunch training ride together. Justin starts Monday with a new company on the other side of the mountain so we’ll be commuting, working, training etc. solo from now on. It’s a big change for us, but hopefully positive.

Well, after Sea Otter last Saturday Justin and I went with Ti down to Cannery Row to the brewery for a few DIPAs and some food. Sunday I had a 2.5 hour ride on tap and with the fatigue and general malaise I was less than stoked to get out and ride.

The foggy morning weather cleared around noon and the singletrack at Fort ORD was prime and ready.

I wound up having a ton of fun riding some of the course singletrack backwards and forwards.

We got on the road late in the afternoon, got home a little late, and then unpacked and then wasted some time on the Internet unwinding before going to bed too late. Up again early Monday for work, put in a full day and I got in some core work

With errands, laundry and the leftover cookfest preparations we were again up late, and up early to take the car in for service and get to work.

Justin had a farewell luncheon at work complete with “roast” that I sadly missed.

Went to train at lunch thinking I’d just left my bottles at home. Had one at least but no pedals!

I called Justin in a panic and his levelheaded logic advised I drive home with the bike install my freshly crankbrother’s pedal spa’d pedals and
Go ride.

Get it done.

Once back at home after the ride the cool dark living room couch looked oh so inviting. Back to the desk!

More cookfest and staying up too late Tuesday left Justin and I moody and tired for Wednesday. I didn’t feel very recovered from Sea Otter racing at all and my interval ride openers didn’t seem to help, but I set out to do my hill repeats and I think did okay.

Nice day for a ride (hot and humid!)

Those hurt, but after racing I can better “stomach” the pain!

I got my work ish situated and we got out of dodge. It was time to pack and prep for Whiskey 50!

Should be a fun weekend. Race pace up a 14 mile fire road climb? Sure, why not! I haven’t done that in a few years!

Here’s to a road less travelled.