A First For Me

"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion) 07/19/2019 at 09:37 • Filed to: Not Corvette News

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Since it’s supposed to be super hot the next couple days, and I’m all kinds of psyched about my new bike, I did something I’ve never done before. I woke up at 5:30 (made coffee for wife and waited for her to finish her workout before leaving) , was on my bike by 6:30 , on top of this mountain by 7:15. Then the best part, a 25 minute descent! Then a shower, hugs and kisses for wife and kids, and I was at work by 8:30.

My wife and I celebrated our sort-of anniversary last night (our daughter’s birthday falls on our anniversary so we picked a different day), so we had a fabulous dinner with equally fabulous drinks. So... this morning I wasn’t feeling it but I had committed to ride, so off I went. Man, it was worth it. I feel fantastic, and it was so nice being up on that mountain “early” in the morning.

Here’s a view of the same mountain from where I’m working right now (it’s the highest point in the background):

My wheels:

When I got to work I stopped in the dining hall to see if I could scrounge up breakfast of more substance than a bagel, and there just happened to be a group finishing up a full-service breakfast. “There’s plenty still if you want some.” Eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns. F-ing jackpot.

I need more coffee.

Tripper > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 09:46

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“25 minute descent!”  

Wowzers! I cherish a few minutes of downhill.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 09:47

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I get up at 5 every day. :(

functionoverfashion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 07/19/2019 at 09:49

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I don’t know where I read it recently but it sums up my feelings about early mornings perfectly (I’m much more of a night person):

“I like being up early, I just don’t like getting up early.”

It might have been someone here, I’m not sure. 

ttyymmnn > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 09:49

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So... this morning I wasn’t feeling it but I had committed to ride, so off I went.

I don’t ride up and down mountains, but I do have a 10-mile street course I try to ride every weekday morning. I have found that the days where I really, really don’t want to go but go anyway can be some of the most productive and enjoyable days. Particularly because I feel like for once the better side of me won an argument with myself.

Nibby > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 07/19/2019 at 09:50

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i get up at 5 every day thinking about you

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 09:50

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I get that.

Often, getting up early is the only way I can do the things I want. Both my wife and I work essentially 7 days a week (on call) and we need to maximize the "dead time"

benjrblant > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 09:51

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awwww yeah son!

functionoverfashion > Tripper 07/19/2019 at 09:53

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If I went straight down the way I came up, I could get down in about 10. But there are lots of detours - some of which have short climbs or at least require some pedaling - that I’m including in the total descent time. Because on the way up, there are almost no breaks for 45 minutes straight, and in fact it gets harder as you get nearer to the top.

But it’s so worth it for that descent. 

functionoverfashion > ttyymmnn 07/19/2019 at 09:56

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Yeah, exactly. It’s something I am really trying to teach my kids, that getting outside and doing something fun ALWAYS makes you feel better than if you stay inside moping. Today I felt like I was going to be hungover but after about 3 minutes on the bike that was long gone. 

functionoverfashion > Nibby 07/19/2019 at 09:56

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no, u

functionoverfashion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 07/19/2019 at 09:58

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I find myself going out for rides at night, for basically the same reasons - it’s the time I have, and it doesn’t impact anyone else. But the morning was so nice because it turns out the sun is up already - who knew? lol

Chariotoflove > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 10:01

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That morning rush is always rewarding if you can get yourself up for it. 

Tripper > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 10:08

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Oh yea, straight up but traverse down. One of my favorite places to ride is also my least favorite as you start with an awesome decent THEN you have to climb back out.

ttyymmnn > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 10:15

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I’m sure you’ve told me, but where are those beautiful mountains? 

functionoverfashion > ttyymmnn 07/19/2019 at 10:23

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New Hampshire

ttyymmnn > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 10:24

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And I’m sure I’ve told you that my mom lives in White River Junction. I really want to get my family up to that part of the country some day. Having lived many years in VA, I miss those eastern mountains. 

functionoverfashion > ttyymmnn 07/19/2019 at 10:48

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Oh yes, that does sound familiar. I really do love it here, the seasons are wildly different and for someone who loves to be outside, there’s always something fun to do and it’s often not the same as yesterday. The mountains can’t hold a candle to those out in the proper west, but our lakes are nicer and our summer is longer.

There are some nice mountains in VA, right? Out in the western part, anyway. 

ttyymmnn > functionoverfashion 07/19/2019 at 10:59

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Yes, all part of the Appalachians. The Blue Ridge run from Northern GA up to southern PA. Some of the oldest mountains in the world.