Keeping a Pace

The last two rides were short, and I started hard and finished weak. I didn't want to do that today, so I forced myself to stay in one gear (except for crossing roads and bridges, where I dropped a ring on the front) and one speed (about 14mph). It made a big difference. 16 miles, instead of 12, and with lots of energy left over (it was almost dark when I finished stretching, so it would have been tough to go farther). I think the next time I ride that course, I'll try for 14.5, then the next time a little more. Starting at 20 and ending at 12 isn't really doing me any good.