Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo / blasbike
Huffing and puffing, I crested the top of the hill. Spread out below me was Payette Lake in all its deep-blue glory. I looked down at my Apple Watch—checked my heart rate and time, then chugged onward. I was on pace to set a personal record for my mountain bike ride around the famous Huckleberry Loop in Ponderosa State Park.
Screaming down the backside of the hill and winding along the lake shore, I headed for the park entrance to the official end of my ride. Every now and then, I glanced at my watch, checked my time and tried to keep a pace that would help me set my personal record. A few minutes later, huffing, puffing and dripping, I slid to a stop in front of my garage, punched off my Strava app and recorded the ride. It was a personal best—by almost 2 minutes.
With a smile, I took a gulp of water, put my bike away and headed inside for a shower, very pleased with the result.