Just another day in Greenville, SC...

I took advantage of yesterday's spring-like conditions to sneak in a two hour training ride. My "coach" (that would be myself) had me scheduled for 8x2min "Big Gear Hill Climbs", which I like to do out by the Green Valley area. I escaped the apartment with shorts and legwarmers, a long sleeve jersey and a wind vest, my first day out in months without full tights, a jacket and shoe covers. I enjoyed the tranquility of a warm-up spin on the smooth asphalt of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, where I had the road to myself with the lone exception of the kamikaze field mouse that darted in front of my wheel, challenging my bike handling skills. I turned left past Furman U, crossed the highway, and rolled down the hill and across the bridge before starting my first climb. Pushing a big gear at 60 rpm's and 300w, I forced myself to concentrate, and not pedal in "squares". As I was recovering at the top of my 5th repeat, a slightly built woman in headstrong kit streaked by me, intensely focused and tucked in behind another rider. It was none other than our own Giselle, absolutely crushing the climb...in February! I turned around and rode back down the hill, ready to begin my next repeat, when on the opposite side of the road, tucked in behind a motor scooter, a tall rider in red BMC kit and white Oakley sunglasses was effortlessly flying up the hill, trailed by a small gaggle of riders.

Riding home, I reflected on the day, and I don't know who was more impressive, Big G or Little G, but I do know this: I would never have experienced what I experienced today in the Fla Keys...or Cincinnati...or Pittsburgh...or anywhere else for that matter. Greenville, SC is a pretty cool place for a cyclist to live.