Infrequent Rides

I have had a very hard time getting on the bike for the last month. The following is my list of excuses:

• Since the crash I haven't quite gotten my road bike back into rideable condition. I replaced the derailleur, but I need to replace the cable as well.
• I went to California on business, then to Idaho for boy scout camp.
• My wife's uncle passed away unexpectedly, so we had family in town for about 10 days.
• I've just gotten lazy.

But I rode my bad weather old mountain commuter home yesterday and felt great doing it. Unfortunately (for my biking) I am leaving on a short backpacking trip on Thursday, so that's probably it for my riding this week.

I think what I need is another big ride to serve as a fall goal like the MS-150 does in the spring. I am thinking about one of these:

• The Heber Valley Century
• Bikes for Kids with Dave Zabriskie
• A ride to Wendover, NV for the weekend.

That last one would be cool. It's about 120 miles from my house to the StateLine Casino. I have wanted to do this for a few years. I would have my wife drive out that afternoon to meet me there and drive back after spending the night.