It's Raining Bobcats

Click the above video and enjoy while reading this post.

This past Sunday I made my second run at the Lake Sylvia trail in Little Rock. On my first attempt, it was 105 degrees actual temperature, so I was hoping the weather would cooperate this time. I got my wish....it never got above 87 degrees and it rained...and rained...and rained. At first, I welcomed the rain, but after 3 hours I was praying for it to stop. By the time I finished, I was covered from head to toe in mud and as waterlogged as I have ever been. But at the days end, I was very proud of the ride.

I would normally have posted the ride details from my Garmin computer, but I forgot to turn it off when I was finished. It continued to run all the way of my drive home. I don't think anyone would believe that I rode 279 miles in 8:57 minutes and burned 7879 calories. So I had to break it down...

61 Miles Ridden
5000' of Climbing
5:45 Total Time
3,365 Calories Burned
1.5 Mental Breakdowns (Thats down 2 from the last time, so I was pleased)

There is a 40 mile loop at Sylvia that climbs 4000'. On my first attempt, It took me 4:30 minutes to do this loop. Sunday, I did it 4:10 minutes, I was very happy with the 20 minute gain. After the 40 mile loop, we took a 5 minute break and then headed back out to the trail. I was instructed by "LadyKiller" to go 10 miles out and then back. By this time I was starting to break down a little, my legs were okay, but the constant rain and mud spray in my face off the front tire was wearing on me. When he pulled up next to me and told me 100 more yards then turn around I thought I had just won the lottery. That final 10 miles was mainly a slight downhill, but a few climbs. Somehow, I truly believe I rode that 10 miles stronger than any part of the entire day. Reaching the main road brought a feeling a relief and exhilaration. It was also nice to see the look on "LadyKiller's" face, it was a look of "awesome job".

I could not get my gloves, shoes and socks off fast enough, but as soon as I removed the first glove I gagged....just a little.



My feet actually looked worse. I think it took the entire two hour drive back home for my hands and feet to recover.



I'm thinking these socks might become scrap rags. My shoes were so soaked they felt triple their normal weight.



This is my Camelbak. The sad thing is that I only wore it for the final 20 miles.



I have to admit that it does look much better when dirty.

On a side note, during one of the descents on the 40 mile loop I came across something I have never seen before...



Uh...Yeah.

Have a good week.