There’s something special about Friday night because it falls before the day on which you can ride without care or worry. Time becomes irrelevant the morning after Friday. No alarms to jolt you from sleep in order to grab a scant hour on a trainer. Friday night opens up possibilities. It dares you to imagine miles, mountains and ambitions. It is for dreaming. Preparing to explore. Figuring out the route. Making a cue sheet. Getting ready to suffer in ways that honor all your dedication, hard work and perseverance. At the peak of summer, Friday night just somehow seems perfect. It smells right. It looks happy. There’s a warm vibe. The cold or wet days of winter and spring have long since departed. Arm warmers remain at the bottom of the dresser, untouched.
On this, the last Friday of July, we have almost forgotten about Le Tour. We realize it soon will be August. For many, peak cycling fitness has arrived. For others, the season’s major efforts (count me in that camp) have only moved farther into the past. It seemed like yesterday, eyes set on big goals. Riding through a cloudburst to get extra miles. Being thankful for sun and the ocean while others tweeted about snow. Then bam! A double century here. A double century there. Big climbing days I thought would destroy me. Shared experiences. Friendships developed on a bike. And here we are.
Friday night can also be for reflection. Cherish your Friday nights. Use them to sharpen your Saturdays on the bike. The combo is unbeatable. I think so, anyway. Wishing you all great rides this weekend, come what may. I’m aiming at the Northern Cascades. First time. Can’t wait for Saturday.
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