Roadside Attractions

This week's big group ride was 35ish miles on the West Valley Highway from Kent to Puyallup. (I learned where Sumner is along the way - yes, I grew up here and should know that already.) Apparently it was a section of the STP route. It's not terribly scenic, which is what they say about most of the STP route - so I'm a little worried. At least it was nice and flat. With not a lot to look at, I was keenly aware of what was there...

• Tarp World (am I the only one excited about that?)
• roadkill - possums, rat, mouse, and a really gross racoon
  
• two llamas (both alive, one pooping)
• an old exersaucer in a ditch
  
• my first angry dog chasing me (scary)

Sorry, not so glamorous - but true. This weekend's ride is supposed to be better.

When I got home, I crashed on the couch and inadvertantly slept for 4-5 hours. This seemed a little excessive and worrisome. Apparently, it might mean I'm not drinking enough water over the course of my week. I put a "wag more, bark less" sticker on my water bottle at work to hopefully help inspire me to drink more.

The good news is that I learned that recovery drinks aren't just a gymmick; they really are a good idea for endurance activity. And even better, the same possitive effects can be achieved by drinking chocolate milk! Yum. So Trader Joe's chocolate soy milk (doesn't need to be refrigerated while you ride) will be waiting for me at the end of every ride.