- My Garmin 500 recorded a total of 955 feet of climbing on the 35 mile `out' leg of the ride (27.29 ft per mile).
- There was 4,763 feet of climbing on the 35 mile `back' leg of the ride (136 ft per mile).
- For a total of 5,718 feet of climbing for the entire training ride (81 ft per mile).
Because of the season and the altitude I was `chilly' during the entire event. It was mostly cloudy so when in the direct sunlight I was warmed generously (but briefly). As the afternoon wore on it became more cloudy and colder. Of course I was increasingly wet (sweat) on the `back' leg. Fortunately I carry `3 season clothing' and I managed to almost eliminate the chilling wind.
Combine the climbing and the cold I found myself unusually `sleepy' for such a short distance.
Around mile 60, amidst vast emptiness, I spied in my mirror, about 40 yards behind me, a large four footed animal chasing me. It was too far for me to make out what the animal was but it was a very big dog or somethng like it. This was the first time I was `chased' by wildlife. I accelerated promptly but the animal was really closing the distance fast. In my mind I decided if I couldn't ourtun it I was going stop and confront the beast. I finally let out a loud bellow and prepared to stop, turn the bike around and attack it. To my surprise the animal abruptly stopped and left the road.
As I continued to ride I became aware that my `confront the beast' response was pure `animal' in me. No fear. I was damned angry and wanted to kill it.
Later, driving home and, even later, falling asleep I then became afraid.
I'll probably begin to carry some self-protection devices / weapons when I go off into such remote areas.
But after the `beast' was gone I felt a strange and very satisfying sense of `excitement.' No fear at all. At least not until a few hours later.
Doc,
ReplyDeleteI live in a rather remote part of West Virgina, where there are far more animals than residents. Riding trails and forest roads it is easy to run into bears, wild boar, and dogs. I always carry a can of "Halt!" just in case.
--yodacallmesome
That sounds like what a curious coyote who's never seen a man on a recumbent would do.
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