Well, I survived and met my goal for my first season of road biking. I rode in the 10th annual Tour De Franklin Fall Classic charity ride yesterday, I did the 55 mile loop (technically it's only 54 :mrgreen
, and here's my thoughts on my first long road bike ride. I can't say enough about the support and rest stops that the LBS and sponsors made happen. We had two SAG rigs with parts, tools, and pick up for anyone that couldn't make it, and two motorcycle riders constantly moving through the field checking on everyone. If you felt alone, or didn't get enough to eat or drink, it was your own fault. There was home cooked BBQ, pasta, meatballs, baked beans, and two different kinds of home brewed beer at the end also. Huge thanks to everyone that put forth all that effort!
I made it a point to eat very well the day before, and the morning of the ride FWIW.
First leg was around 30 miles, and I felt great all the way through it, even at the end of it. Had our second rest stop, some food and topped off my water bottles.
The second leg is downhill / flat for about 5 miles, then hits you with about a one mile grunting climb, but I still felt good. Had more climbs along the way to the final rest stop which was our turn around point. I was really starting to feel it around the 43 mile mark, another climb at the 44-45 mile mark and my left hip flexor started giving my problems, every pedal stroke hurt. By the 47-48 mile mark, my body was just done, my legs felt like lead pipes, and I wanted off that damn bike LOL. But, I put my head down and continued, and even made the final climb which was by far the worst of the day, very short but very steep, standing was the only way to get up it and you start from a stop sign with chance to get a run at it. I stayed with a guy that stopped halfway due to cramps. Other than that, I stayed right with the group I ride with on Wednesday's right up until around the 50 mile mark when I was just physically and mentally done and let them go. The physical part was tough, but honestly I think the mental part is just as bad if not worse. I'm really glad I didn't have a computer to watch, would have been worse I think. I tried having a beer afterward, and couldn't stomach it at all. Had some food and about six small glasses of gatorade and I felt immensely better, then had that beer. :lol: I know it's a long post, but those are my thoughts on it FWIW.
Jersey and event goodie bag
This is as high as my traps and neck would let my arms would go at the finish line :mrgreen: