Training Update: 367 Miles this week and feeling good

Another great week in the books—367 miles, making it six straight weeks over 300. I’m feeling strong, and it’s a reminder that the basics—preparation, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and recovery—are what keep the legs pedaling.

The highlight was a 177-mile ride starting in South Haven (thanks to our friends Sue and Tom hosting)! My original plan was to reach Lake Erie for a full Michigan coast-to-coast, but with daylight slipping away, I stopped short and ended the ride with Julie over dinner. She was incredible support, meeting me at miles 50, 80, and 110 with food and water. The Kal-Haven Trail was beautiful, and the ride itself was one of the most enjoyable long efforts I’ve done—steady, smooth, and without the kind of suffering that usually comes with big mileage.

Some new tools and tweaks have been helping too. The shorter 165 crank has been a game changer, and recovery has been boosted by consistent work with SAM, the ultrasound machine I’ve been using on different spots the past few months. It’s made a real difference. Maxine at Fitmi has also been a huge help making a few tweaks with new crank. Between that, the bike setup, and a little luck, even the “bum” is holding up.

While I was riding yesterday, I was reminiscing about the long rides I have done since I was a kid—and I remember the all well—for many reasons: aches, geography, weather, etc. I’ve logged eight rides over 200 miles and a dozen over 150 in my life, but this one will stick with me as one of the best becasue I just felt good. Now the countdown is on—three weeks until I’m on the plane, with packing and bike prep underway (big thanks to Jack at Kingfisher for keeping everything dialed in). First though, a trip to see the grandkids—can’t wait.

I am on track!

The beginning of the Kal Haven Trail from South Haven. I left for 177 miles right after the rain—it turned out to be a beautiful day all the way home.

Kal Haven Trail—39 Miles of no traffic!