It's all over but the hurtin'

Another Trek Across Maine is finished, but the sore legs and the all-over body fatigue isn't. The legs still feel like cement and, even though it's Tuesday, the brain isn't working quite the way it should be (so please excuse any typos).

I had planned to hit the gym this afternoon just to get limbered up, but the couch and my Sports Illustrated sound like a better idea.

In years past, I've had a super tough time getting back on the bike after the Trek. This year I'm determined to get back in the saddle sooner so I stay in shape for the 50-mile Prouty Cancer Ride I'm doing in NH in July. And, truthfully, I already kind of miss my bike. I did a good amount of riding leading up to the Trek and my orange baby treated me well during the three-day ride. Despite the rain, she averaged 15 mph on Sunday, getting me from Waterville to Belfast in just over three hours of riding time.

You can see my bike and other pics from the Trek (if you rode you might even be in them) on Maine Today's Seen page. You can also go to the Waterville Sentinel to watch a video and see a slide show of the event.

Despite the lingering sore muscles, the desperate need for Chamois Butt-er and the rain on the final day, the Trek remains the most satisfying athletic achievement I've been involved in. Yes, it's great to see so many people out riding to help a worthy cause, but it's also pretty amazing to push yourself to the limit and keep on pedaling.

Many of this year's riders will be back again for the miles and miles of hills and the chili-covered baked potatoes again next year. Will you?