This was a tough ride to motivate myself to do. I knew I needed the miles, but it was a chore. My conciliation was that I decided to keep a low pace, around 16 mph average as the target. It didn't help that I found a major hole in the tread on my rear tire and had to change it before starting out. Better at home than on the road. Headed out Ben Zvi and the 44, wind calm and a nice morning, overcast. Turned onto the 424 and rode this gradual uphill route to Latrun, feeling okay while not pushing it. Then I rode Hwy 3 down to the 44 and turned toward Bet Shemesh. After the first little climb, I stopped for a short break and ate a banana. Continued on to the intersection with the 38, that moderate climb was a particular chore on this day. To get a little extra distance, I took the road toward Tsuba but turned around at the roundabout and headed back. The first climb wasn't so bad, just slow but my legs felt okay, not a lot of push in them. The coasting downhill from this point was nice. At the gas station by Hwy 3, I stopped for another break, filled up on an energy bar and some cold flavored water. Even still, I was slower than I wanted on the climb past the intersection. I started to notice that the wind was not helping, maybe directed more into my face than I wanted. As I continued the ride, my pace slowed and the wind seemed to pick up. It wasn't heavy, but it was noticeable, and it got steadier as I rode toward the coast. Within the last 2 or 3 miles, I could really feel its effects. Back home via Shlabim to Kibbutz Galuyot, ending up right at 60 miles and 16 mph average.
Avg speed = 16.0 mph. Total mileage = 60.0 mi
Avg heartrate = 146 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2940'
https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/3858944410
https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/26170825948
