I attempted to get out for a day ride, it was day light when I went out to get the bike ready, by the time I got started it was nighttime! Luckily, I dressed the same way I did yesterday which was perfect for this ride as it was much colder and with the stiff wind made for a challenging ride. I headed out to Rte. 70 but the traffic light turned red and I didn't want to stop and wait for the light to change, so I made a right turn and decided to get to Rte. 70 a different way. I also changed my destination too. My goal for this ride was to keep my cadence over 90, which would keep the pressure down on my left knee which was still bothering me. The burn on the lower quads were calling out for mercy and I refused to give up, causing my HR to go up, the burn felt good! I hadn't hit 12 miles yet and wasn't sure how long this ride was going to be at this point. I get to another traffic light and decided to make another right turn and do a route that I normally do the opposite direction. The shoulder was small but the semi heavy traffic gave me ample room. I finally make it back to Rte. 70 heading back home. Smack into the headwind again, still working on the cadence and the burn! The first mile back on 70 felt forever, it was now time to really concentrate the remaining miles slowly but surely passed and I was leaving 70 back on the main road home 4+ miles away. This section always seems to be a challenge, legs screaming for a break! I didn't want to slow the cadence or give in to the pain, so I pushed on... one by one the miles passed by until I was on the final mile, home free! Be safe out there and enjoy the ride...