For the first time this week the wind was a non-factor. Beautiful day, 59 when I started and just now getting into the 70s. Supposed to be a 50-miler, but at 45 miles, instead of turning to come home I mixed up some more sports drink and made a loop through Arnoldville. Great weather, great ride along the banks of Bayous Teche and Fuselier, what better way to spend a morning.
Good ride, handled the wind better, finished by heading up to Arnaudville to get some extra miles in.
Funny: about 17 miles in, there's a car headed my way, I see the driver waving, then realize it's my wife, then realize that she's waving my helmet. I NEVER ride without my helmet, but this ride I never missed it. Even after she showed it, I still had to pat my head before I realized I didn't have it on.
More wind.
The wind is my friend, when it's against me it makes me stronger, when it's with me it makes me faster.
Ride with the Opelousas group, but no one wanted to ride more than 20, so I only had company for the first 12 miles. Designed my route so I would have tailwind over the last ten or so, which worked out well. Raised my average from 16.5 at Mile 22 to 17.1 at Mile 32, mostly 20-24 mph over the distance.