Now This is More Like It

Skull Valley Loop - Clockwise

Training task today: handling of bike on fast descents into crosswind.  Making this more difficult was the fully loaded seat bag with water and tools; top heavy, made things `whippy' at high cadence (114) and speeds in the 45-55 mph range.  A good 8 on 10 pt scale. 

The lessons are: a) work on smoother high cadence pedaling; b) race time there will be no seat bag to whip around.

Thirteen days out from what amounts to the only race I regularly enter: Skull Valley Loop Challenge.  It's short enough (54 miles), demanding and challenging enough (steep descents, long ascents, twisty switchbacks), beautiful enough ... and local. 

This week is the `tough' training week.  Next week is taper and rest in preparation for the race. 

When I put in a `tough' training session it usually takes me about 36 hours to fully recover.  Not doing that this week.  By week's end I'll be on the edge.