New route today. Found a road that it a gradual climb for about 8 miles. Good, as I can stay seated the whole time and try to crank a higher (lower? I get confused, tougher ) gear and really work the legs. Only draw back was it was a little shorter than hoped, all around ride was 32 miles. Took fair amount of time because of the climb (and wind), but was hoping to get in 40 today.

But, when you’re close to home and you have to choose to ride for another 10 miles or turn in, especially on a cold day. You opt to turn in, or at least I do . That’s why I usually choose routes that take me far enough out that I’m not tempted at those critical times/mileage. Never loop back in at 30 miles. Twenty mile loops is o.k. because you’re just getting started and it’s easy to keep going, but 30-40 is tempting.