Back in the Saddle Again

Last Monday after the S&M100 on Sunday I was a basket case. By Tuesday I was doing light barbell squats for recovery. Did not ride at all all week until today. Rode my old standby: Skyline Drive Hogback Overlook out-n-back. 42 miles and 4800 feet of 4-6% grade. Started in hammer mode but by the time the first overlook rolled up I knew I was a bit off so I chilled. No PR today. Caught Mike at the top and rolled together. Hammered the downhills...I do like speed.
Had to fiddle with the RD adjustment 2x, the cable is about to break. Coming back down Hogback I clocked 46 mph, in a 35, while passing a parked Park Ranger. If they ever give me a speeding ticket I will frame the sucka! On the next climb some dude passed and then his gf. I egged Mike about gettin girled but he blew me off. I'll be damned! Hammer on! Passed her smartly but her dude sensed me closing and it was race on. I was gonna get some training in today after all. Caught/passed him going South/uphill between MP18 and 16 but paid alot in pain and backed off enough for him to catch me at the top. I need to keep the pressure on next time. I traded the front a few times then let him lead until the next downhill at around MP12 then I attacked but could not loose him. On the next climb he pulled a good lead but by the end of the climb I was may 100 yards back. I know I am faster downhill. Dude snatched my impending victory by stopping for his gf. Oh well, fun was had by all. Maybe I will still go to Poor Mt on Oct4. JB was on fire last Sunday. Maybe his course record of 37 min will fall. I will be pleased if I clock around 60-70 min.