What a Drag

Rode with Gretchen this morning. Jen couldn't go, so I was planning to do everything on the one side of the lake.

At the point where I make the decision to do more or just do what I have been doing, I had to stop and get off the bike.

I had to sit down and catch my breath, stop my head from spinning.

Gretchen was concerned. She backed herself against my legs and stood watch over me while I recuperated.

I thought I was going to puke, pass out, or have a heart attack.

All I could think of was W's "gotta get my 3 miles in" line.

Every once in a while Gretchen would turn and give me a lick on the face to make sure I was ok, then she'd turn back to guard against the woods.

It took a while, but I came around to where I felt like I could ride again. I got up and walked over to my bike. I know I'm out of shape, but this was ridiculous.

Since replacing my rear brake pads last night, I gave the rear wheel a quick spin to see how things were doing.

Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

I couldn't get the wheel to go a full revolution spinning with my hand. It would roll and spin via the pedals, but there was so much drag it wouldn't spin on its own.

Well that explains it. I'm not as fat and slow as I thought I was.

We didn't do the extra portion, but I did get a work-out.

- b