Pizza and Pedals

Part Two of Today’s Adventures…

After the flat tire extravaganza, we headed to Mississippi Pizza in North Portland. It’s by far one of my favorite pizza places in town. We were close (at the bike store on Alberta) so we decided to go there. The patio for the Amnesia Brewery was PACKED. It was such a nice day out! We sat at a table with the window open so we could enjoy the fresh air but be in the shade for a bit.

Resting

Michael got a slice of pepperoni and I got my FAVORITE pizza: feta cheese, onion, garlic and spinach. So good! Sometimes, I dream about that pizza.

YUM

After resting for a bit, hitting the bathroom, and refilling our water bottles we hit the road.

Spandex is Never Flattering

My tire seemed to be doing alright. I, on the other hand, was still struggling. We rode through residential neighborhoods in North Portland until we got back to NE 33rd and followed that back to Marine Drive. We rode East on Marine Drive and got to enjoy the beautiful view of the river and Mt. Hood.

Marine Drive

Mt. Hood

As you can see, there was hardly a cloud in the sky. It was a gorgeous day! Crossing fingers next weekend is the same!

After we are done with all this training and are back to riding bikes for FUN,  I totally want to come back to that beach and have a picnic and relax.

The ride home was hard. I was tired. I was slow. At one point, my hero suggested we stop in a park and rest. So that’s what we did.

Resting in the Park

I had seriously hit the wall at this point. I wanted to cry. I was so tired and I felt like a failure every time we came to a hill and it felt like my legs were going to give out. I just didn’t understand! I’m in great shape! We go on these long bike rides a lot! I have stamina! What the hell??? THIS GUY said to stop being a victim:

THAT Guy

Basically, stop feeling sorry for myself, get back on the bike and finish it. I could do it. So I did. I got back on the bike and we rode home the rest of the way without much incident and very few tears. 🙂 I almost cried on the KILLER hill on the way back, but I was good. I almost cried when I pinched my leg in the bike gears. That effing hurt! But I didn’t cry.

OUCH

Today’s Stats:

Miles Biked: 52

Calories Burned: 2,505

I showered, put on REAL clothes (not spandex) and we are making dinner: turkey burgers, asparagus, BEER, and ice cream for dessert. Hell, even after dinner I will still have 2,000 calories for the day!!!

QUESTION: When was the last time something REALLY tested who you were as a person?