GMR-39 Loop

Last Sunday I did the GMR-39 loop. I parked my car at the bottom of 39 and began the ride from Sierra Madre, onto GMR then E Folk and finishing on 39. This was a 34miles ride, so not very long. From the start of the ride, I already wanted to use the bathroom :( I thought I would go behind the building at the top of GMR. So I tried to not drink too much water as well I was hoping that the water can be reabsorbed. Which was rather stupid cos I became quite dehydrated. Anyway, going up GMR, I was huffing and panting since the beginning, but I was able to keep a sustained pace without feeling that my heart would burst. I stopped a couple of times to have some water - I really need to learn to ride with one hand on the bar! Before long I arrived at the top of GMR. I rested there for a bit and chatted with a cyclist who told me some crazy cycling stories and shared with me some bike maintenance tips.

I then continued on my way onto E Folk, I like this part with the descents and the gusty wind. Once I wasn't careful and nearly went into the unpaved side road - that would have been bad! I was then caught up by a cyclist who asked if we could ride together. He was training for an Ironman challenge and had already ridden 65miles. We soon came to the reservoir at the junction of E Folk and 39. It was completely dry! Might be the rumored man-induced global warming effect or perhaps they were just rebuilding it. The ride on E Folk and 39 was easy with some nice descents. In total I did about 3hours on the bike and I wasn't too tired. Ok, I was tired but not exhausted :)

I have to say that sometimes I like to ride by myself. This gives me an opportunity to focus on cycling. As well, when I ride by myself - I get to meet and chat with random cyclists. It's a lot of fun hearing about their cycling experiences and telling them about my own humble beginnings in cycling and I always learn SO much from talking to others.