Day 1

Day 1, ride 1 is in the books.

I had to lube the chain before I could clip in. It had some surface rust on it, not terrible, but that is the kind of chain that leaves you stranded when it is most convenient for IT. I worked some Muc-Off into it, pumped the tires up with the BV floor pump, and opened Zwift.

The pump inflates both presta and schrader valves. Unscrew the end, flip it, screw it back on. Simple enough that I don't know why every pump doesn't work that way.

The ride

I spun at about 80 RPM and tried to hold 90 watts. 7 miles. 31 minutes. Heart rate 89 to 113.

I passed no one. I got a few Ride Ons from strangers, which is the Zwift equivalent of a nod from another rider on the road. I'll take it.

I could have ridden longer. I wasn't winded. But 30 minutes was the goal so that's what I did. There will be plenty of riding in the future. Today was about showing up, not about proving anything.

One thing I loved about riding long distances is that simple zen. No room for bullshit, for hours. It is as much a mental refresh as a physical workout. That was still there.

The pain cave needs work

My basement is now officially a pain cave. It is also, apparently, a sauna.

It got hot down there. Not uncomfortable to sweat dripping into my eyes. But I need a fan by Thursday. I am sure there is one around here somewhere.

My Garmin chest strap is ANT+ and the Apple TV is Bluetooth, so I need to get a Bluetooth version for indoors. I need to keep an eye on my heart rate until I know what too much feels like.

I would also like to figure out picture in picture on the Apple TV setup. I love Zwift, but riding indoors sucks, there is no better word for it. You need something to turn your brain off and grind.

The CycleOps

The trainer performed well with one exception. At one point I came out of the saddle and when I sat back down the power connection dropped. Disconnected from Zwift for a moment before reconnecting. I might need to open it up and check the connection point. Having to unclip, jump off, and reconnect mid-ride is not a workflow I want to repeat.

The CycleOps seemed like if it could be lubed, it should be lubed. That's also on the list.

The goal

Tuesday, Thursday, and one weekend day. Minimum 30 minutes each. That's the schedule.

Relief

I have been batting this around in my head for two weeks. I built it up like I had a labor of Hercules in front of me. Twelve tasks. Monsters. Things that couldn't be done.

It was 30 minutes on a bike in my basement.

I am relieved I can do it. I am relieved that I did it. And I am relieved that I am relieved.