back to square 1

well it seems my riding fitness has fallen dramatically. went for a ride today (it was bloody hot) after doing 3 hours in the garden this morning. I managed to complete 64km, but i was over my limit the whole way and I had to stop and get some more fluids.

I did the shelley loop, the normal way - anticlockwise -after riding around the south perth foreshore to the narrows. Just after i turned onto the fwy bike path a guy passed me so i chased him to get a tow. in the end i didnt really get a tow as i had to work hard just to stay on his wheel. We went up the fwy at >30km/h which in my condition was a bit quick. My heart rate average was 170bpm for the 11km I chased him.

Once we parted company I slowed down and basically slogged it out to get home (still 38kms to go). my speed average dropped to 26 km/h and i really struggled. after another 11km I had to call into a service station and buy two more drinks - i had already drunk my two - otherwise i am not sure i would of made it home.

I completed the ride by riding back down the fwy and then around to UWA (into the afternoon sea breeze) and then up through Kings Park (my climb time for the 2.2km climb was off by 30 secs which is another indication of my fatigue and fitness slipping). Finally I went through Subi, Leederville and home.

Took some photos of the local bird life by the river. Arent pelicans cute (not). The other birds, Black Swans, are part of the State's Emblem.







I have now completed 1435km of the 10000