rollers and rattlers

given my built up soon to be surplus of vaca days, i decided to start playing hookie from time to time to enjoy what is left of the comfortable riding days. granted i would prefer a plane ticket to say - cali, or better yet - brazil - that is definitely out of the budget scope now given school + living costs. i worked extra on my proposal yesterday so i could ride - guilt free - today. i woke up this morning, walked butterball around till she stopped pulling and was content. pumped up my front tire in the subi (slow leak - annoying!) and headed out to the forest. 53.5 miles later, 5200 climbing feet i was content. iron cross is a cool 62 miles w/6300 feet. the legs are ready - just hope skillz can hang.

cowboy caught u with me in the last stretch down greenlee to whipple. bringing hot chocolate (sweet!). it was cool this morning and windy with wind chill in the 40's; i was chilled at that point and welcomed a warm sweet drink. i refuse to sport a jacket just yet. fresh legs energized my slowing pace at mile 40 and the stretch up laurel run to bear gap and north meadows flew by. we saw a huge rattler just next to the lookout on bear gap - tail up. by the time i made it back to my car - i was chilled, somewhat tired but still had plenty left had i needed to continue on. i checked the front tire of the subi, and made my way home.

now it's back to the proposal and reading for class tomorrow... and i think i'm ready.