First Group Ride for the Year
We had our first Group Ride tonight. It was advertised to be an easy 15 miler--not the usual fast 40.
Of course I show up and it's me and 10 guys who have been riding all winter. And not on their trainer for 45 minutes in the basement, but real3 hour rides on the icey roads. The leader asks how far we are going to go. "15 miles" I say. All eyes lock on me. I shrug, "I have to pick up my daughter from the babysitter." All eyes stay locked on me. Pregnant Pause. Leader "So, we're going to do about 30 miles then." And off we went.
What is it about guys that they can't stand riding behind a woman? I was really irritated when a guy sprinted around me and cut me off. He wobbled back and forth and yo-yoed from the group. Grrrr.
The first few miles were easy (other than trying to follow Mr. YoYo) and I was surprised to see my speed on the computer was 20 mph in the flats. About 6 miles in the pace picked up and we dropped Mr. YoYo. :)
The second half was when things got exciting. A few stragglers had been dropped so the guys decided to really pick things up :eek: And it was my turn to finally pull. I got in my drop bars and hammered out 22 mph pace INTO THE WIND.
My legs burned, my lungs burned, but darnit, I was going to make it. And then we hit the triple crown--three climbs in a row. I was on empty and finally got dropped less than 3 miles from the LBS. I managed to catch everyone as they pulled into the shop.
"Thanks for the ride everyone" I hollered. And was surprised when all the guys begged me to stay for a beer. But I really had to pick up my daughter. But they really wanted me to stay, could I come back after I get her from the babysitter. What the heck, I can have a beer it will only take a few minutes and I deserve it.
It was a great ride. And a really good beer.
