Nice ride!

I debated on riding today or not since I am giving blood this afternoon. So far, I am glad I went. The temperature was just right, there was no traffic (except for one very large dog) and it made me feel great after the disasterous ride on Saturday. I took the most direct route from my house to the Thatcher park climb, and began by climbing up route 85 from New Scotland. The first half of the climb went really well. I was following Joe's advice and staying seated for 2 minutes, then standing for 1 minute. Just after the turn onto Thatcher Park road, I turned off onto Indian Ledge Road and climbed that. Indian Ledge added another 200' to the 400' I had already climbed. I fortunately took the first left onto Wolf Hill Road, because if I hadn't, the next turn back to 443 was 3-4 miles down the road. I hooked back up with route 85, which is an incredibly fun descent. Funny how some of the short climbs on the way back were a piece of cake averaging 18 MPH, but some were nigh impossible, and it was all I could do was get up it at 6-8 MPH. I guess it's a matter of energy level or something.

Stats:
18.81
1:09.11 - includes stopping for pictures and to say hi to my son as I passed his school.
600' climb in 2.5 miles took about 14 min

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=522883