Being the glutton for punishment that I am, I took to my favorite mountain pass again today – only this time I increased my ride by four miles and increased my speed by about 2-1/2 mph over yesterday’s attempt. I took it easy on the last few miles to rest up for the big climb: 700 feet over 3/4 mile or just under 18% average with two flats that make up the rest of the 1.1 mile trip up the mountain.

This time I remembered why I had so much trouble at the beginning of the climb. That first quarter of a mile is a pain in the butt after a good hard ride. I froze for a split second before I started winding the legs up. This time I didn’t stop for a breather either, I just took it really slow on the flatter sections to catch my breath… And I proceeded to blow up in the exact same spot. I just couldn’t get passed it with the worst yet to come. It’s just too much cowbell.

So I’ll try it again tomorrow. Oh, and I realized a little bit late again, that I’m operating at 2,500 feet above sea level instead of 700 feet. I don’t know if this would make a difference really, but it sure feels like it does – the muscles are more than willing, I just can’t get my breathing to match up. Ah well, it sure beats a swift kick in the teeth. I love cycling in the mountains.