Dad and I were looking back over the posts from the last trip, and realized that a lot of our days are shorter and less hilly this time. This, of course, made us feel a bit wimpy. Why aren't we riding 65+ mile days over mountain peaks?
Then, I started thinking. Why am I being so competitive with myself? Why am I comparing these trips? They're different experiences.
6 years ago I didn't do much bike riding in preparation, but my overall fitness level was much higher. I was just finishing up 4 years of college cross country, and I was FIT. Despite being in overall good shape, the first 5 days of our tour HURT. It hurt so much. My legs hurt, my butt hurt, my neck hurt, and I collapsed in the RV at the end of each long, hilly day, absolutely exhausted. There were good moments, but overall I didn't enjoy that first week. Of course by the time we hit Wyoming Dad and I were beasts, we were ready to just keep going across the country, but it took 2.5 weeks to get us there. 5 days of misery, and then the rest of the time to continue improving and start enjoying.
I wish we had 3 weeks to ride this year, but we don't. We have 1. Could we ride longer and more difficult days. Yes, but it would hurt more. Not as much as it did 6 years ago, thanks to 3 months of training, but more than I'm hurting now. Our days are shorter and easier, but I have energy at the end. I can go out and walk around. I can enjoy the ride, and also the place we stop each night. I'm having fun, and that's what really should be most important.
Besides, we didn't choose our route to purposefully avoid most major mountain peaks in the area. That's just what happened.
As a side note, if you haven't gone on a bike tour, you should. It's the best way to see a place. Dad and I are enjoying sights and noticing details that are missed in a speeding car. As an added bonus, you can fully enjoy your vacation by eating anything and everything, since you worked your butt off to get there.
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