Nokesville, VA, USA
Sorry for no pictures (probably breaks some rule) but I got a late start and was racing the rain.
Slept in until about 10 am. I haven’t done that maybe ever, certainly not since having kids, even when on vacation, so that’s a first in something like 20 years.
I warmed up in the neighborhood with my 10-year old riding around some paved trails and cul-de-sacs. I then headed out to farm country near one set of county soccer fields near Bristow. I cut my planned route short by about 7 miles by turning left just after Bristow past a new(ish) elementary school - more beautifully paved roads. The long straight road going through Aden was recently paved, too, and there is only one stop sign. This will be a great stretch to set some power PRs over the summer. Then back onto tree-covered roads toward Independent Hill and another set of county soccer fields.
Within five minutes of pulling into the garage the first rumble of thunder sounded. It was pouring not long after. In addition to beating the rain, my 15-year old made homemade ice cream. I opted for a small bowl with Reese’s Pieces.
My rebuilt front wheel worked great - barely thought about it at all, which is the way it should be. I also tried a homemade rice cake (EF Pro recipe) for fuel in addition to homemade mix. The rice cake was fine but made a bit of a mess in my jersey pocket - primarily individual rice grains falling out of the foil. I think I’ll use them for longer rides to have some variety, but not sure the mess is worth it for shorter rides.