Looks...deceiving

So another morning and after a day off I felt a lot better. The legs were still tight but they warmed up quicker, the burn was not there (at least not early in the ride) and the ride was 2.5 hours which was nice and steady. On the way out on the GOAT (like i've said before I have yet to see a swamp rabbit, i've seen snakes, turtles (a big dude today) and lots of swamp squirrels but no rabbits (and I have seen a few goats though not on the trail), I had the normal not much action going on few riders if any but a few walkers and runners which was really nice. Before TR I was passed by a serious rider who was dressed out in full shop team regalia and this person was on a nice Italian bike. I decided hey its a small climb and this person has decent tempo so follow them up and see how your legs do. About 100 yards after being passed I was surprised when the rider turned around and told me that they didn't like people following them and I needed to go on. A little bit of a surprise but I got to thinking....

My thoughts at first were wow what a total snarky typical bike racer but then after a little more consideration I thought hey I'm wearing tan shorts (mountain bike shorts but look like plain shorts) and a t-shirt. I must really look like a typical non racing bike rider who is on a stroll on the trail. I am going to think the latter and assume this rider had a terrible experience at some point with someone riding close on the trail. Either way, looks can be deceiving and quite frankly I am in terrible condition and have a long way to go before my ride.

I am still amazed at the creatures you see on the trail. Today was a snake and a snapping turtle that had to be 30 pounds. He was a big dude with a head the size of my fist. I have to give the award today for the best trail vision being a little lady (I wont say old but white hair so older than me) who was riding a beach cruiser. This cruiser had a basket on the handlebars with a little canopy cover over the basket. The head a white miniature poodle was sticking out of the basket. I had to smile when I saw it because I realized that dog has it really good!

Today is the 12th. I leave in 19 days for my trip. My fitness is fair but I am making progress. Still a lot to do to get ready and lots of plans to complete. Reminders for the day, looks can be deceiving and enjoy every day like its your last!!!