Do you remember Saturday May 16, 2009 when it was constantly raining and generally dreary all day long? Well, that's when I put in my 64-mile ride as part of Richardson WildRide Bike rally. A couple of my colleagues bailed out due to the weather and several more people in the parking lot before the event reconsidered their involvement at the last minute due to the rain. I estimate less than 500 riders ended up participating in the event that expected over 2000.
Despite the weather, the event was well organized and well planned out. There were police officers or firemen at all the major intersections to stop traffic so that the riders did not have to stop. The route was relatively straight and did not have many jogs, which was much appreciated on the slick streets. And there was plenty of snacks and drinks at the rest stops due to the decreased number of riders.
I broke my ride into three sections with a rest stop at each 20 mile junction. The first 20 mile leg (19 mile actually) was smooth sailing. There was a distinct pack that I tried to stay in the middle of. The pace was brisk...averaging a little under 18 mph for this leg.
After the rest stop I tried to mingle in with a small pack leaving about the same time as me. They quickly out-paced me and I found myself alone navigating through the hilly city of Josephine which is east of Lake Lavon. It was eerie traveling alone on these back roads with no other cars or bikes around and only a scattering of farm houses in the distance. At times I wondered if I may have taken a wrong turn and gotten off course. The hills of this section fatigued me and I welcomed the rest stop after the middle 25 mile leg.
I took a fairly long rest here and drank plenty of water, ate my Cliff bar and other provided snacks, and tried to rest my legs. I departed for the last 20 mile leg. I began pacing with another rider which was good to have someone to talk to. He would distance from me on the flats but I would catch up to him on the hills. At the interim rest stop he veered off and I kept going…just 10 more miles to go.
By then I was riding in familiar territory around my house and my tension eased a bit. The last part of the course was relatively flat but it felt like lead weights were strapped to my ankles. It could have been the extra couple of pounds of water weight soaked into my socks and shoes that were to blame. I made the turn past the finish line. There was no white ribbon to cross and no cheering crowds but I felt good at my accomplishment. I averaged 16.1 mph in some pretty adverse conditions…(queue Rocky theme)…getting stronger…
Despite the weather, the event was well organized and well planned out. There were police officers or firemen at all the major intersections to stop traffic so that the riders did not have to stop. The route was relatively straight and did not have many jogs, which was much appreciated on the slick streets. And there was plenty of snacks and drinks at the rest stops due to the decreased number of riders.
I broke my ride into three sections with a rest stop at each 20 mile junction. The first 20 mile leg (19 mile actually) was smooth sailing. There was a distinct pack that I tried to stay in the middle of. The pace was brisk...averaging a little under 18 mph for this leg.
After the rest stop I tried to mingle in with a small pack leaving about the same time as me. They quickly out-paced me and I found myself alone navigating through the hilly city of Josephine which is east of Lake Lavon. It was eerie traveling alone on these back roads with no other cars or bikes around and only a scattering of farm houses in the distance. At times I wondered if I may have taken a wrong turn and gotten off course. The hills of this section fatigued me and I welcomed the rest stop after the middle 25 mile leg.
I took a fairly long rest here and drank plenty of water, ate my Cliff bar and other provided snacks, and tried to rest my legs. I departed for the last 20 mile leg. I began pacing with another rider which was good to have someone to talk to. He would distance from me on the flats but I would catch up to him on the hills. At the interim rest stop he veered off and I kept going…just 10 more miles to go.
By then I was riding in familiar territory around my house and my tension eased a bit. The last part of the course was relatively flat but it felt like lead weights were strapped to my ankles. It could have been the extra couple of pounds of water weight soaked into my socks and shoes that were to blame. I made the turn past the finish line. There was no white ribbon to cross and no cheering crowds but I felt good at my accomplishment. I averaged 16.1 mph in some pretty adverse conditions…(queue Rocky theme)…getting stronger…
Russell, How awesome that you were able to complete this! You didn't let a few, :-), rain drops dampen your spirit! That is a fabulous accomplishment! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteStacey Huber