Vine Ride Report!

[oxysback]

You say you're surprised at how well you did, and that you were riding pretty much alone the whole way. I had a similar experience last weekend, riding by myself -- on a "crowded" city trail, but just me, no DH, no friends, just me, seeing just how far I could go, and how much I could push myself. I think that riding alone takes pressure off us, and we ride better than usual, does that make sense? There's no need to keep up with someone who's maybe faster, or has more experience, and going at our own pace just plain works better for us!

I think you hit the nail on the head! I was relaxed and going at my own pace with no time expectation (just a goal to get up all the hills on my bike).

When I think about it...if any of the other riders had around 120 extra pounds on their back, they'd be as slow as I am. I'm doing twice the work, even if I am a bit slower!

Thanks for the standing 'O'.

Hey, did I ever mention I have family in Boise? My dad, uncle, and grandparents live there....so we try to get out there at least every few years. Maybe someday we can ride the greenbelt together?

[Kano]

I think you hit the nail on the head! I was relaxed and going at my own pace with no time expectation (just a goal to get up all the hills on my bike).

It feels GOOD doesn't it? Earl makes an effort to keep me in his rear view mirror, even if I'm just a speck -- at least after "losing me" at the beginning of the season where I got off on a long tangent to our ride because I THOUGHT it was him ahead and followed. He keeps his cell phone on silent, so never answers -- there's no point in calling him to tell him I'm fine, but where the heck is he! And he SAYS just go your own speed, but of course I feel like I gotta keep up or he'll be in a secret snit! It's very liberating to be able to get out there and "just see what I can do."

When I think about it...if any of the other riders had around 120 extra pounds on their back, they'd be as slow as I am. I'm doing twice the work, even if I am a bit slower!

Yup, you and I, we really earn that milkshake, or whatever treat comes at the end of the ride!

Thanks for the standing 'O'.

Hey, did I ever mention I have family in Boise? My dad, uncle, and grandparents live there....so we try to get out there at least every few years. Maybe someday we can ride the greenbelt together?

You're welcome! I love a nice greenbelt ride -- I can do it twice in one day now, given enough hours -- that was MY discovery last weekend! I'd love to do it FAST too -- but there are lots of people on it a lot of the time! I am thinking about finding myself a good hilly place to ride, where the shoulders are wide, and the traffic is minimal. The "best" hilly road I can think of off-hand is about 16 miles long, full of hairpins, not much shoulder area, and at my speed, I'm probably looking at an all day event! Maybe two or three days!

Karen in Boise

[eclectic]

Clap, clap, clap, Hooray, whoo hoo, way to Go! ! !

Great job!

[Bikingmomof3]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Your times were fantastic.

You have a standing ovatation here in Ohio.

[Denise223]

STANDING OVATION FOR OXY FROM MASS!!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOOO

AWESOME JOB ---- WELL DONE!!!!!

Forty miles is further than I've ridden (yet, that is)..... Great job, Oxy

Hubby and I are doing the Tri-State Seacoast Century in September this year..... (no, we won't be doing a century), but, I will give it all I have !

Good work, my friend!

Peace & Love,

Denise

[DDH]

Way to Go!!! Standing O in TX for ya!!! You should be very proud, I am so very proud for you!!!

[PinkBike]

oxysback,
i've been waiting for this post, since i was so curious how it went, and now that i've read it i say
GREAT BIG STANDING OVATION FROM ARIZONA!!
you go girl!!!!
congratulations!