Today was the first ride after race day. I had breakfast this morning. Eggs on toast. Afterwards, I decided to make some waffles. Put some syrup, crushed walnuts and almonds. I started eating, and then decided to add some fruit. So, I went downstairs and diced some strawberries and blueberries. The stomach seemed to agree. I took my usual nap and about the time I was going to get up, the stomach started to complain. Something about the waffles and toppings that didn't agree. I hopped back in bed and let it calm down. It took a while. I ended up taking some pepto and lots of water. That seemed to calm it down enough to allow for a ride today. As I was getting ready, I got all my gear on, then I went to adjust my helmet. I adjusted the straps, put it on my head and went to tighten the dial. Then I noticed that it was unusually loose. So, I took the helmet off and inspected it. The plastic that holds the rear mechanism was broke... In a way I was real upset, but then I realized that this would have been a disaster for the GranFondo. I ended up finding a helmet that I haven't used in a few years. It too had some signs of breaking. So, I taped the parts that were half broken. The helmet felt weird, but I thought, better than nothing, it will suffice for today's ride! (I'll have to check the warranty on the Bell helmet). I got out on my ride. And... wow, I felt strange. The combination between having stomach problems, anxiety from having my one and only helmet broken, body still needing recovery, etc. Didn't feel like myself. Even my bike felt strange. It felt lighter than usual. I had all the provisions I would normally carry on a single ride. The helmet was the most estranging. It felt like I was wearing someone else's shoes. Nevertheless, I shoved off. I decided to go to Banducci n Back. Concentration was ok, but such a weird sensation that I had. The body was responding quit well for having just rested for two days. The lack of encouragement, except for my own took a while to get used to. Pretty much as I expected it to be. Kind of like walking into an amusement park without the crowd. Somewhat eerie. On my way back, I picked up a blue direction marker, left over from the GranFondo. The new gloves feel ok, not great. Lots of padding, but it doesn't provide as much protection on the thumb as the terry cloth gloves from PerformanceBike. Interesting, my body wasn't sore. Some hints of back soreness, but ever so slight. Other notes, no other cyclists. But, I did get out late, so no surprises there. My mountain bike has a missing brakepad that I noticed just yesterday, so will have to buy new ones. I'll have to check the warranty on my helmet, otherwise purchase a new one.