Well, as it turns out, I did have a good reason for not finishing the Death Valley Double.

I took a week off the bike, and then tried riding again.

The first ride, a 15-miler, was okay. The saddle soreness was still there, but manageable, and definitely fading.

The second 15-miler the next day? Ouch!

I quickly remembered just how I was feeling those last few miles in Death Valley. No wonder I stopped.

I also discovered swelling, a definite sign of something more serious – enough to seek medical attention.

So, my doing the Solvang ride – a double century on March 27th – is in jeopardy. Unless I miraculously recover by next Tuesday, I’ll have to cancel reservations. I have a tiny thread of hope that I won’t have to, because I’m feeling better by the day, but realistically, I’m probably sidelined.

It’s frustrating because my legs feel really good right now. They are brimming with power, itching to ride. I’m sure they could finish the Solvang Double no problem. Heck, I’m sure they could have finished the Death Valley Double.

We’re now entering prime riding season as the weather warms up, making this even more frustrating.

But prudence says I should probably stay off the bike for a while.

I guess instead of riding at O’Dark Early during the week, I’ll do some cross-training. I’ll just have to take the dogster out for long hikes in the mountain preserve, under pleasant spring temperatures, with the yellow poppies and purple lupines blooming, and the desert as green as I’ve ever seen it.

Oh well, somebody has to do it.

Ha!