Metcalfe: 96km
So I actually got out to Metcalfe and back, unlike last week where I gave up after 49km.
I set out around 10h30, figuring I’d avoid the predicted showers (there were none). The stretch along River Road to the Swan was fine with a slight headwind.
The 14km stretch from the Swan to Metcalfe always kills me. It’s dead straight and it’s pure agriculture so there’s nothing to protect me from wind.
However, unlike last week, I wasn’t stopping every kilometre to reinflate my rear tire. Last week I gave up at Metcalfe and asked Irene to come get me. (She did. She is indescribably wonderful, is Irene.) And in case you’re wondering, of course I ride with a spare tube, but I had already used it to fix a flat I got at Bank and Riverside – barely 10 minutes into my ride.
I think I started running out of energy just as I hit Blackburn Hamlet. I had to do a left turn off of the three-lane, very fast Innes road, and it was all I could do to keep ahead of the bus that had pulled up behind me as we turned.
I got back around 3:15 (average speed 26km/h) exhausted and with a lot of pain in my lower back. Ouch. Must figure out how that happened. My theory is the short, non-agressive stance stem Full Cycle sold me is too short, and I feel curled up all the time.
I have much more riding to do. Exhausted after 96km? That’s less than half way. Ulp.
