Cold Feet

I haven't gotten my 2010 race license. I haven't upped my dues to the race club this year. I haven't even gotten a current race kit. I really don't know if I'll be racing this year.

Don't get me wrong... I love racing! But after so many accidents and injuries last year, I don't feel mentally ready or "in the game" yet this year. I haven't written about it on the blog, but I did end up having a fourth accident last year. Just when I thought I was safe, I fell down the stairs at home and cracked ribs. I'm still recovering from that one.

And after my crappy performance on yesterday's group ride, I have to wonder if I'm going to get back ANY mental edge ANY time soon. It was pure riding SUCKAGE. It's like my body has declared "enough is enough" and I can't seem to get it to cooperate any more. One of the guys on the ride yesterday actually told me, "Great! Now you can start riding with my wife." His wife is a total newby who has ridden maybe twice. That's how far backward I have fallen. Relegated to the newbies.

And maybe that's just where I should be...newby status: herky-jerky cornering, full brakes on descents, inability to draft, or have anyone near me while I'm riding for that matter. Starting all over again, it seems.

Anyway, for the annual Polar Pedal ride (last ride of 2009), a group headed down to St. George to ride. My ribs were still freshly cracked at the time, so I rode really easy. But I managed to get a few good miles in, and the weather was a little warmer there, so it was worth the drive.

I couldn't resist pausing the ride to get a photo with a cute statue of a boy on a trike.

With temperatures in the 50s today, I think I'll head out and try again today. Hopefully, if I just keep riding, the fear will leave me.