The Leisure Hammer Roll

I don't necessarily enjoy staying up late and riding early, but work has been such a climb recently that I refuse to give in to the daily grind. Thankfully Ed was game for a leisure spin this morning. I'm in for that and who knows, if I time it right I can meet up with the others on the Mill Valley bike path. Ed and I left 10 minutes late as usual but no matter. We quickly ramped up our conversation talking about our OSBP (obsessive soccer and basketball parent) philosophies.  We traded passes

on schooling adult coaches while keeping our kids in the realm of good sportsmanship. You can't coach everything but you can definitely lead by example.

Turns out Ed's daughter had a heart breaking loss in soccer but it was likely the most amazing soccer game he'd ever  seen. Before I knew it, we had completed our half tib-loop ride and it was time to part ways. The conversation flowed so freely we may as well have been at a bar talking over drinks, or at the local coffee shop feeding our veins with caffeine as the stories flew by.

I checked the time and thought if I hit it, I can catch my buddies at Crissy Field. Sigh, a solo hammer roll after what we just did? The conversation was great but it wasn't a half time speech. There was no fire set to say "you can do this" or "believe". Then again it doesn't take much for me to go for it.

I seized my bars as the light turned green and immediately preyed on a rider ahead of me. He was strong but I was in a hurry so I flew by him with little thought. Of course he gave chase and stayed behind me between 10-50 yards the entire time. If I pop I'm his. Well not today my friend I'm chasing demons and I believe I can catch them. 

Mentally of course  the battle ensued. You can't out pace this guy, let alone catch your buddies who may be 5-15 minutes ahead of you. Sit up and relax man you deserve it. Crap really? Can someone find the off switch for my brain?

Painstakingly I slither into my drops and reached a tempo of about 85% of my max ability. I can do this. Just roll and believe. As I started the ascent to the bridge I immediately launch my bike up and around the first few mini ascents. The teasers that are meant to break your spirit as if to say you really want to do this? Ugh off switch please...btw that guy is still tailing you.

And there was what I call dead man's corner. The spot so named for if you are racing up the hill and tired, this is where you die and lose the race. Not today I chant as I tuck and duck into my best aero. Still driving forward I round the corner and BAM a vision of delight. I caught Ken, Paul and Peter as they rolled ahead.

Let the games begin! I ride past Ken and Peter without so much of a hello. Pulling next to Paul I spin furiously and then turn over with my wicked smile. Greeted by all  I'm fueled to carry my momentum to the bridge. My brain flicks in again only this time it says give it everything, don't stop now. That guy is still chasing and you haven't had a good time up this hill all year. Today is your day. And so it was.

And there I was, back in the coffee shop drinking my latte (thanks boss for the gift) feeling just like I did as I rolled in with my friends across the bridge. Catching up, laughing, relaxing the way riding should be. At least some of the time.

Peace out brain.