rij73
07-02-2008, 02:27 PM
Hi ladies... Thought I'd share my latest ride report.
For context: The longest ride I've done so far has been 34 miles at an average speed of 13mph in northern Connecticut with rolling hills. This past weekend, DH suggested we go back to CT and try for 50 miles on a route no hillier than the one I'd done before. I felt I could do it since I was perfectly happy and not worn out on the 34-mile ride.
Here's what happened...
So, the whole trip was to be 50 miles. I was happy as a clam until about mile 42 - averaging 13mph. Then, we turned onto a road that was a slight incline for a long time. That's when exhaustion hit me, and DH started giving me a hard time for going too slow. (ie "If you don't pick it up, I'm going to fall over." This from a man who can perform a trackstand. He has funny ideas about how to motivate people... :rolleyes:) I took a five minute break and really would have been okay for the rest of the ride, except that I missed a turn while speeding downhill in front of DH and couldn't hear him yelling through the traffic noise and wind.
So, because of that, now the ride was going to be more like 60 miles. We had been on the bikes over 4 hours, and the whole time I was doing the mental math figuring out how much of the ride was behind us. I was psychologically prepared for 50 miles, but not 60.
At mile 56 after reaching the top of a hill, I laid my bike down in someone's driveway, sat down in a heap, and told DH to go home and come back for me in the car. I was exhausted, my legs were weak, my girlie parts were sore, and my feet were burning. When he said that I had to get back on the bike and make it at least to downtown Collinsville one more mile away and downhill, I broke down crying hysterically. (Not my proudest or prettiest moment!) I believe I said something like... "I can't go anymore! I've tried so hard to believe in myself... to stay positive! I just can't do it anymore! I've already ridden farther than any other women we know would even attempt to do!" etc. etc. :o
Anyway, he convinced me to pedal to Collinsville. It was a much better and safer place to wait for him to get the car. I sniffled and snivelled all the way there and then sat in the shade and waited for him to come get me. My odometer for the trip read 56.97 miles. When DH got back to the house and car, his odometer read 58.89. I gave up with two miles to go, but they would have been mostly uphill, and I really don't think I could have done it.
So, I found my limit... But, it will make me stronger for next time. I'm still proud that I rode 57 miles. The roads were absolutely beautiful, and like I said, I had a great time for about 4/5ths of the ride.
I went to the park for a regular training ride today after a couple days off. I swear I felt stronger. :)
For context: The longest ride I've done so far has been 34 miles at an average speed of 13mph in northern Connecticut with rolling hills. This past weekend, DH suggested we go back to CT and try for 50 miles on a route no hillier than the one I'd done before. I felt I could do it since I was perfectly happy and not worn out on the 34-mile ride.
Here's what happened...
So, the whole trip was to be 50 miles. I was happy as a clam until about mile 42 - averaging 13mph. Then, we turned onto a road that was a slight incline for a long time. That's when exhaustion hit me, and DH started giving me a hard time for going too slow. (ie "If you don't pick it up, I'm going to fall over." This from a man who can perform a trackstand. He has funny ideas about how to motivate people... :rolleyes:) I took a five minute break and really would have been okay for the rest of the ride, except that I missed a turn while speeding downhill in front of DH and couldn't hear him yelling through the traffic noise and wind.
So, because of that, now the ride was going to be more like 60 miles. We had been on the bikes over 4 hours, and the whole time I was doing the mental math figuring out how much of the ride was behind us. I was psychologically prepared for 50 miles, but not 60.
At mile 56 after reaching the top of a hill, I laid my bike down in someone's driveway, sat down in a heap, and told DH to go home and come back for me in the car. I was exhausted, my legs were weak, my girlie parts were sore, and my feet were burning. When he said that I had to get back on the bike and make it at least to downtown Collinsville one more mile away and downhill, I broke down crying hysterically. (Not my proudest or prettiest moment!) I believe I said something like... "I can't go anymore! I've tried so hard to believe in myself... to stay positive! I just can't do it anymore! I've already ridden farther than any other women we know would even attempt to do!" etc. etc. :o
Anyway, he convinced me to pedal to Collinsville. It was a much better and safer place to wait for him to get the car. I sniffled and snivelled all the way there and then sat in the shade and waited for him to come get me. My odometer for the trip read 56.97 miles. When DH got back to the house and car, his odometer read 58.89. I gave up with two miles to go, but they would have been mostly uphill, and I really don't think I could have done it.
So, I found my limit... But, it will make me stronger for next time. I'm still proud that I rode 57 miles. The roads were absolutely beautiful, and like I said, I had a great time for about 4/5ths of the ride.
I went to the park for a regular training ride today after a couple days off. I swear I felt stronger. :)