I am so burnt out on the local trails and rides that it's getting hard to even figure out what ride to do. And it's really hurting my motivation. I can't continue to rely on Romulus, CrankenFine, and JB to keep me going. I know, I know, you've heard it all before, and quit yer whining, and No Wimps and all that. Yeah, I hear you, but sometimes you just have to draw off the poison so that the healing process can begin.

The Quarry pit	Sugartime in the EG	Huge, purple buds

The forehead pad in my helmet fell out after last ride's drenching, and I didn't notice until I went to saddle up today. So I did today's ride without the pad and found that without it, I had nice sweat channel funneling a steady stream of salty brine from my scalp to my eyes. I should get a new helmet (this one is at least four years old), but I don't want to spend the money right now. Knock on wood.

Pulled the entire Quarry climb on the Hoo-E without stopping, but it was distressingly difficult. You know the pinging sound your car makes on low-octane gas going up a steep hill? That was my hamstrings going up the Quarry climb today. I had to stand frequently just to avoid a complete blowout. On the way down, I passed on the side stitch where I biffed it last week (See March 15, 2005: Time to get serious). My stated self-justification: I want to avoid the poison oak, it's gotten really thick back there and with my current outbreak, I don't want to risk additional exposure.

I had intended to wear the little armband radio that Pennypacker gave me for Christmas so I could listen to the Louisville game, but of course, I forgot. So the desire to find out about that game further lessened my interest in the ride.

Finally, I had had it with myself, and I pulled myself from the ride for lack of effort and interest. I was to log a minimum of 10 miles and then hit the showers.

Out at Mavericks, the sun was shining and it was warm and windless. There were several hounds running around and there was a good vibe flowing. The scene cheered me up a little bit and I headed for home a bit lighter in spirit than when I had left.