Ugh, why did I sign up for this?

[NoNo]

Have you ever regretted signing up for a ride? I'm riding the Bloomin Metric today and kind of wish I wasn't. I know I can do the distance normally, but this is a hilly ride. I'm not a climber by any stretch of the imagination. I hear there's over 3000' climbing, but can't be certain since they don't post the route. The last time I did a metric in this part of the state it was miserable, everything hurt, and I was literally the last person in. All the food was gone, the other riders were gone, and the guys that were putting all the folding chairs away clapped for me. I envision this ride to be the same way, even though it's been 3 years, that ride was a month after I gotten my first (and only) road bike, and I'm in better shape now. But I want to do it to prove to myself that I can. Its just that memory and the thought of riding uphill for the first 30mi that makes me shudder.

Anyone else sign up for something and then wished they hadn't? How did it work out in the end? I'll post a report when it's over. I can tell you it won't be including sunshine

[Maxxxie]

Yes, the 2010 Ipswich 100. I got cajoled/browbeaten into it by my mate, who in turn pulled out before the ride due to injury. I did the ride with my mum and her mate. By that, I mean, they dropped me at the earliest opportunity and I was left to ride the whole thing pretty much on my own (except the last 20Km when my mum took pity on me and rode with me).

It was easily the toughest ride I've ever done, and by the end, every part of me hurt. I was absolutely shattered. I knew going in that it would be tough, but I didn't know it would be that tough. If I'd known, I probably wouldn't have done it.

I didn't regret signing up for it, but I did dread doing the ride. Once I was on the road though, it was really a matter of just sucking it up and doing it.

I finished that ride and promised myself I wouldn't do it in 2011. Now, of course, with the passage of time, I'm thinking, "hey, it wasn't that tough!".

Max

[chicagogal]

Have you ever regretted signing up for a ride? I'm riding the Bloomin Metric today and kind of wish I wasn't. I know I can do the distance normally, but this is a hilly ride. I'm not a climber by any stretch of the imagination. I hear there's over 3000' climbing, but can't be certain since they don't post the route. The last time I did a metric in this part of the state it was miserable, everything hurt, and I was literally the last person in. All the food was gone, the other riders were gone, and the guys that were putting all the folding chairs away clapped for me. I envision this ride to be the same way, even though it's been 3 years, that ride was a month after I gotten my first (and only) road bike, and I'm in better shape now. But I want to do it to prove to myself that I can. Its just that memory and the thought of riding uphill for the first 30mi that makes me shudder.

Anyone else sign up for something and then wished they hadn't? How did it work out in the end? I'll post a report when it's over. I can tell you it won't be including sunshine

This is EXACTLY how I feel about the snake alley criterium that, thanks to teammate of mine, I am racing next weekend. It is going to be hard. It is going to HURT. And I'm starting to wonder what craziness possessed me to sign up for this sufferfest that I have no chance of winning and am just hoping to NOT DIE!!!! I'll post a report when all is said and done. Until then, wish me luck :-)

[Zen]

Yes.
I wish I had seen this earlier, it's not like you signed a contract.
I don't ride to be miserable.

[Maxxxie]

I don't ride to be miserable.

Reminds me of a sig I saw on another cycling forum: "Cycling should be enjoyed, not endured."

Max

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes.
I wish I had seen this earlier, it's not like you signed a contract.
I don't ride to be miserable.

Yeah me too, I'd do something else instead if i was really dreading it.

[Skierchickie]

I usually find that the more I dread the thing I signed up for, the more glad I am that I did it afterward. If it's really really really tough, I get a great feeling of accomplishment afterward. That isn't to say that it always goes well, but if I'm REALLY dreading it, it is never as bad as I anticipate.

Like the others said, you didn't sign a contract. It's totally up to you (okay, was up to you, since it's 5pm here now). Just remember that you are stronger and more experienced now, and you've already proven that you can do it!

Oh, and I typically regret signing up for every event I do, and wish I hadn't, and I dread everything! But once I get out there, I'm usually glad I did.

So what did you decide? How did it go?? Are you glad (either way)? I'm time-traveling back to this morning, to support you and give you good vibes.

[Zen]

I'm time-traveling back to this morning, to support you and give you good vibes.

Take me with you. I want to get up earlier.