Aggie_Ama
05-14-2006, 12:13 PM
Yesterday I did the Armadillo Hill Country Ride in Liberty Hill, Texas. I had been planning to ride this with DH, but he had to work yesterday. I have never rode more than 19 miles without DH, but I decided to jump in and try a Metric Century solo. I have rode one century and nearly a century on the MS150, so I am experienced.
The weather could not have been nicer. We started out at about 70 degrees with a moderate wind (10 mph). The course is just one rolling hill after another. I impressed myself by taking many of the early hills in the big ring. :D
I never really fell into pace with anyone, but did exchange polite conversation with many riders. There were a couple of tough climbs. One hill was curvy (that is mean) and steep! I was able to crest it at a whopping 5.5 mph, but I made it. I don't wear a HR monitor, but I am sure I was way up there. I did almost fall over on a hill that was not as steep. My trusty bike, Fiona, decided to shift on her own. I had the shifting worked on a couple weeks ago, so I am not sure why this happened. I would say it was the rider, but I wasn't attempting to shift. Luckily, I saved myself from the embarrassment and pain.
I managed to finish the 61 mile course in 3 hours, 45 minutes, my average speed was 16.5 mph (I am happy with that). This included one stop at the friendliest rest stop ever. It was run by a senior citizen cycling club and they were so energetic, talk about a boost to your tired body!
I am so proud of myself for going out there. Like many of the people have said on here before, I am not the most athletic person. I always found an excuse out of gym. In high school and college I was a fantastic bowler, but a movement disorder robbed my of my ability to bowl my former 200 average. I started running when I decided to lose weight 3 years ago. I fell in love with cycling thanks to DH and it now fills the void of not being a top-notch bowler. Finishing this ride wasn't a distance record, but it meant a lot to me. It proved I really am a cyclist!
Thanks for everyone who encouraged me a couple weeks ago to sign up. I still have more fun riding with my DH, but I am not going to skip a ride I want to do anymore. I am even consider tackling another challenge- racing. :eek:
The weather could not have been nicer. We started out at about 70 degrees with a moderate wind (10 mph). The course is just one rolling hill after another. I impressed myself by taking many of the early hills in the big ring. :D
I never really fell into pace with anyone, but did exchange polite conversation with many riders. There were a couple of tough climbs. One hill was curvy (that is mean) and steep! I was able to crest it at a whopping 5.5 mph, but I made it. I don't wear a HR monitor, but I am sure I was way up there. I did almost fall over on a hill that was not as steep. My trusty bike, Fiona, decided to shift on her own. I had the shifting worked on a couple weeks ago, so I am not sure why this happened. I would say it was the rider, but I wasn't attempting to shift. Luckily, I saved myself from the embarrassment and pain.
I managed to finish the 61 mile course in 3 hours, 45 minutes, my average speed was 16.5 mph (I am happy with that). This included one stop at the friendliest rest stop ever. It was run by a senior citizen cycling club and they were so energetic, talk about a boost to your tired body!
I am so proud of myself for going out there. Like many of the people have said on here before, I am not the most athletic person. I always found an excuse out of gym. In high school and college I was a fantastic bowler, but a movement disorder robbed my of my ability to bowl my former 200 average. I started running when I decided to lose weight 3 years ago. I fell in love with cycling thanks to DH and it now fills the void of not being a top-notch bowler. Finishing this ride wasn't a distance record, but it meant a lot to me. It proved I really am a cyclist!
Thanks for everyone who encouraged me a couple weeks ago to sign up. I still have more fun riding with my DH, but I am not going to skip a ride I want to do anymore. I am even consider tackling another challenge- racing. :eek: