It has been just over two years ago that I started cycling (around May 2008). Since then I have had many great experiences and memories that have taken place during my time in the saddle. One of those memories came during a group ride organized by "Top Spot Outdoors" in Evansville. While shopping for some biking equipment they told me that they had a group that got together a couple mornings a week for a 20-23 mile ride. The rides started at 5:30am so that meant we would be starting out in the dark. It was on that first early morning ride that I had one of those "moments" as I was topping a very large hill and seeing the sunrise from the saddle. I had not seen a sunrise in years. At that moment I recall reflecting on how much my fitness level had improved, but more importantly; that my lifestyle was changing much for the better . It felt great getting such an early start to the day and being able to experience the sunrise was an extra added benefit. I went on to participate in several of those group rides with Top Spot that year and was fortunate enough to experience several more sunrises from the saddle. During the riding season of 2009 I was unable to participate in those early morning rides due to work constraints and it would be almost two years later before I could manage to slip in another pre-dawn ride. That day came on the morning of May 30th 2010.

This ride held more significance to me for a couple reasons. One being that I would once again get to enjoy seeing the sunrise from the saddle. And secondly, the completion of this ride (3hrs and 40 minutes - 65 miles) would mark the end of my highest training volume week for the year 2010. In anticipation of seeing the sunrise from the saddle on this morning, and being able to share my experience here, I armed myself with my camera and headed out at 5am. Here is the sunrise as I experienced it that morning. This photo is taken from Olmstead Road just north of Evansville. Below are a few more photos from the same ride.

Another sunrise photo from Stevenson Station Road.

Some call it "fog" - We in the Midwest know it as "humidity".

Rolling down Olmstead Road. Hopefully my next sunrise ride will be sooner than later.

As I walked into the Castle High School Natatorium this evening I was in amazed how quiet and calm the pool was. So much so - that I had to get a picture. I typically swim here on Monday and Thursday nights and have participated in organized Masters Swim practices since March 2010. Normally this state-of-the-art indoor pool facility is a hustling, bustling place. From toddlers learning to swim, high-school standouts preparing for state meets, coaches and instructors walking the pool decks, to supportive parents sitting in the stands; this pool is usually amass with activity.

Here is the pool as I was preparing for my swim this evening. This picture does not do the facility justice however I will be sure to feature it on upcoming posts (with better photos), along with some of the folks that dedicate hours and hours to make this place "tick". I am very grateful to have such a wonderful facility to practice and train in.

One of my pre-season goals this year was to complete two "centuries" prior to my first HIM Triathlon which takes place on July 10th in Muncie, Indiana. (Muncie Endurathon). I completed my very first century solo on May 16th, 2010. It was an objective I had been eager to accomplish ever since I started cycling a little over two years earlier. I was fortunate that the weather was very favorable during that first 100 mile ride as the temperature hovered around the mid 70's and the skies were overcast. The following week on May 23rd I was fortunate enough to have two good friends and fellow triathletes join me for "Century Number Two". Our ride began at 8am and as we headed north towards Elberfeld, Indiana it was apparent that hydration would be a factor. Temperatures were forecast to approach 90 degrees with high humidity and a very high UV Index. This would turn out to be the hottest day of the year so far. After all, what would southwestern Indiana be if we didn't have high heat and high humidity! The saving grace for this ride was being able to share the experience with friends. Pictured below are Cody Riley (left) and Billy Cole (right) standing in front of a gas station on North Burkhardt having just replenished their water supply. I'm the one behind the camera (or iPhone in this case). Both Cody and Billy are phenomenal cyclist and triathletes. Additionally, Cody and Billy both have mountain biking backgrounds and both have ties to North Carolina. Being able to share this ride with them was very enjoyable.I feel honored to get the opportunity to train with them on occasion. (Or for that matter - try to keep up with them) As the day would have it, the last 15 or so miles of this century proved to be very challenging for me as heat and dehydration were becoming a factor. I'm sure fatigue from the 3 previous weeks of training were playing a part also. I accomplished the 100 mile ride but I also gained some respect for how much the heat can impact your performance. Considering that my two primary races this season are Half-Ironmans I will certainly be doing my best to both plan for and train for hot & humid race days. Here is my Beginner Triathlete training log entry for this ride. Thanks again to Cody & Billy for sharing this ride with me!