Well, I've really gotten far behind in posting. Most of the time, when I'm not posting, it's because there's nothing interesting to write about. But there's actually been a lot going on lately. I've just been too busy to post.
The last time you heard from me, Tom and I were about to embark on our annual fall mountain biking trip to North Carolina. Our trip was great and the weather was mostly cooperative. While it did rain for most of day two, days three and four were postcard beautiful days, crisp and clear with gorgeous fall colors. Day one was spent shopping and visiting with Ann in Asheville. We went to REI and our favorite bike shops. I was able to buy a windproof jacket and wind front tights, both of which came in pretty handy during the duration of the trip.
The riding was pretty good. We tried a new trail in Pisgah, Butter Gap, which Tom really liked. But it was a little too technical for me. Maybe if the conditions had been a little drier. The rains prior to our stay made for some muddy, slippery sections on the trail. We also rode at Dupont, which we are quite familiar with and always enjoy. As a bonus, we found a new Best. Trail. Ever.
Ridgeline Trail is a long, mostly downhill trail. With sweeping turns and a roller coaster terrain, the trail was great fun. Leading practically to the parking lot, it was the perfect end to our day of riding.
Tom and I arrived back home to Flat Florida safe and sound. Except that Tom promptly came down with the flu and has been miserable ever since. We had planned to spend the following weekend in Gainesville with Matt and Vicky so that we could all participate in the Horse Farm 100 century ride. But with Tom out of commission, the three of us decided that it wasn't worth the drive and sleep over. Instead, we stayed local and rode the Intracoastal Waterway Century that started in our very own Cocoa Village.
Matt took off ahead and biked the full century - 100 miles (actual 102). Vicky and I rode the metric century - 100 kilometers, which is roughly 63 miles (actual 65). Overall I did pretty well and I'm proud of my accomplishment. I did have some issues. Chiefly a sore right cheek around mile 30 or so and a stabbing pain along the outside of my right foot about the same time. The butt problem was new, but the foot problem is old. I still don't know what causes it, but it's miserable. At the second SAG (support) stop, I was able to sit and rest my foot for a bit. After that, it only twinged occasionally.
Around mile 50 I started to really feel the miles. The next 15 were not much fun, particularly the last seven along River Road. There was a slight head wind that made the going pretty rough. But I suffered through and finished. Now I'm excited about going for the full 100 next year.
I've played tennis twice this week and surprised myself. It's been two weeks since I last played, but I did very well and thoroughly enjoyed hitting again. I'm looking forward to the round robin on Saturday.
Last bit of news, I have canceled the tonsillectomy that was scheduled for November 6. Which I may not have even mentioned yet. I went to another ENT doctor yesterday for a second opinion. He helped me come to the conclusion that I was already heading for. The tonsil stones are weird and irritating, yes. But are they bad enough to warrant surgery? Having a part of my body removed, missing a week of work, paying nearly $400 in deductible and co-pay and suffering horribly? Not at this time, they're not.
