FROM THE SUMMIT

Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring.  Although we’ve had some rain since then, let’s hope the famous groundhog’s prediction is right.  If so, we should enjoy some spring riding weather soon.

Now is a great time to start challenging yourself with longer and/or hillier rides.  If you have been participating in the Progressive Ride Series or Cinderella Training Rides, you should be well on your way to being ready for centuries and/or multi-day tours in the spring and summer.  If not, there’s still time to get ready.  Look for rides that challenge you to cycle a little farther or climb a little more than you’re accustomed to.  Challenging yourself will make you stronger.  Strong riders didn’t get that way overnight.  Most improved gradually and had to move out of their comfort zones to do so.  When I began cycling, the idea of riding a century seemed mind boggling.  Not too long after that I completed one that included a lot of climbing.

If the Ride Calendar doesn’t include enough rides that suit you, why not lead a ride?  When you lead a ride, you get to choose the route, pace, starting time and location, refreshment stop, regroup points, etc.  You’ll go on a ride that you like, and your fellow riders will appreciate it.  It’s not as difficult as you might think.  If you’ve ridden with leaders that you thought did a good job, follow the examples they’ve set.  I’ve led a few rides.  If I can do it, you can too.  Have you ever noticed how popular our frequent ride leaders are?  There’s a reason for that.

Please join me in wishing Marcella Casebolt, our Spoke’n Truth editor and ever enthusiastic member, a speedy recovery from the injuries she suffered in a crash last month.

There will be no club meeting in March.

Gary 
President, FFBC

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