It's Done!

The cycling season is over, at least for those of us in Canada, making this a funny time of the year. Often there is a heavy sense of relief, followed by a prolonged bout of depression.

In the past the depression was much heavier for me. The end of the season meant that it was time to find a job and start working for the winter; the first a eight hour work day is a shock to the system, and the legs so used to being pampered all summer. Now, though, in my old age (in cycling years at least; who would have thought that I would one day be one of the veterans on the team dolling out advice) I have returned to university; the future is calling and I want to be prepared.

Having to return to classes has taken away the question of "what now" when the season ends, but hasn't really ended the depression. It still rose from the pit pf my stomach to overwhelm me on my return from San Francisco, as I awoke for my first full day of classes, having already missed the first week. At least the pain doesn't last as long as it used to, and now I am doing something "constructive" for when I am done racing.

Not having to ride is a pleasure to be savoured over the next couple of weeks, but soon it will be back to business as usual, piling on the miles to prepare to 2005.