Since I messed up my back I haven’t been able to run anymore so I’ve switched to spin over at the Freedom center and bike riding.  About 2 months ago I took my bike up to Skyline Drive and rode until I couldn’t take it anymore.  I covered 8 miles in 2 hours.  It all but killed me as it was almost all climb with one short downhill break.  My ultimate goal is to bike the entire Skyline drive in 2 days.

So, on Friday I wanted to blast out of work early and get up to Skyline drive and bike from Front Royal to Skyland – about 50 miles.  However, I had to work later than I thought so I only got 16 miles before it got dark to the point where I felt it was unsafe.  My monitor indicated that I had burned 2200 calories but I wasn’t surprised as the ride was heavily weighted towards climbing.  Truth be told, I was pretty used up after 16 miles and believe I could have gotten about 20-25 miles before it was over.  50 miles would appear to have been somewhat optimistic… 

The next day I rode from Skyland to Big Meadows, only about 10 miles but since Skyland is the highest point on the drive, there was much more downhill to the ride.  I’ll keep training and see if I can’t get 50 miles in a day but it may be next year before I can pull it off in the mountains…. 

Allright, the Dems have a ticket.  I don’t know that I agree with Obama’s plan or view of the world but his speech was amazing – especially when you compare his public speaking ability to mine…:) 

Next up, the Republicans:  I’m still thinking that Ridge will get the nod but here’s my list of 3:  Ridge, Romney and Sarah Palin.  Palin has long been one of my dark horses and either she or Romney would keep the conservatives happy.  Ridge would have more appeal in the middle and there’s more votes to be had during the general election in the middle than on the right but if your base stays home it doesn’t matter…..Clearly a tough choice for Mac and we’ll all find out shortly.