To church and back on a bike

I tried something different for my route today. My memory told me that the drive out to my church and back home was around 19 miles. So, I figured it would be a good ride since it would be different from my normal style and would also meet my goal of putting 20 miles in for today.

It certainly was different. There were no step climbs with a fast downhill on the other side. There was a lot of flat or gently sloping asphalt. This allowed me to stay in the crank more than I typically do. It shows in the higher than average average speed. I also never really peaked my heart rate -- though I was up above 160 for most of the trip.

Near the conclusion of the route I discovered that it is actually only about 16 miles to and from Suber Road Baptist Church. So, I tacked on four more miles by going on down East North Street and taking Laurens until I could get on to Lowndes Hill. That allowed me to loop back to home and pick up the needed miles -- almost an extra one at that.

Fun! I feel great! After stretching once I got home, I have no soreness or stiffness in my legs. My recovery was much better even after putting in a 40 miler last night. The last time I did the 30+ miles, the next night when I did 20, it nearly killed me. I must be getting in shape finally!

Today's Training Line:

Distance: 20.81 miles / Average Speed: 17.6 mph / Time: 1:10:57
Average Heart Rate: 165 bpm / Level 5: 0:50:25* / Work: 1925**

* Level 5 is the time heart beats between 165 and 183 bpm
** Comparative number to measure exertion during different sessions
Data collected by Sports Instruments ECG Pro 7 heart rate monitor and Cat Eye Astrale 8 cyclocomputer