Riding continues to be great fun.  I've done a couple rides out of Vacaville and hit some pretty good sized hills.  One of them is scheduled to be part of the 2009 Amgen Tour of CA. I think they classify it as a Grade 4, in that it's not that high nor steep, though it sure felt like a long climb to me. This is a professional level race that brings out some of the best in the world.  It's rumored that Lance Armstrong is going to be participating.  He's already declared that he's coming out of retirement.  I'm thinking that I might go out on the course for the 1st couple of days to watch.  Might bring my son with me too.

Weight loss is a rather odd thing. I lost pretty steadily at first and then hit a plateau.  Then dropped a few pounds and another plateau.  Then again. Rather, rinse, repeat - so to speak. I'm hoping to drop off this latest plateau soon and lose a few more pounds.  My current goal is 160.  When I get there, I might decide to go down to 155 or 150.  I'll play it by ear.

I started using a heart rate monitor while riding.  It's been an educational experience. My resting heart rate is down to 56, and will probably continue to drop. While riding, I've seen it up as far as 191 while climbing.  That tells me that my max must be around 195.  Though I was starting to think about the possibility of passing out at 191 due to lack of oxygen.  Climbing steep hills will take it out of you!  I'm likely to regear my bike for climbing in a few months.  A lower gear in the back would be welcome, especially on those several mile long hills in the western Sierra and in the Bay area.

It's starting to cool off too.  While that's welcome, it's cold riding in the morning!  I'm planning to pick up some cool weather gear this afternoon. I've already got removable sleeves (aka arm warmers), so it's time for leg warmers. Another couple of weeks and I'll need something to cover my shoes with so my feet stay warm.  Cycling socks are quite thin, and there isn't room in my shoes for thick socks. I am pretty sure I have some light cotton gloves somewhere. I need to look for those too.