Wild West Ride

[KSH]

Can't wait to hear how it went!

[DDH]

Well, we started the day out getting stuff together and getting on the road. Skipped breakfast, didn't have time. BIG mistake. I'm not a big breakfast person anyway, but really should have taken the time to eat yesterday morning. I thought the banana's, cookies, grapes and nut I had packed would be enough.
We got there, got registered, and I started looking for Texascyclist. Called her cell number and they weren't quite over in the start area yet. She called me when they got over there and we got to meet. What a sweet gal!!!
We started out on the ride, her, my stepmother and myself, and we talked and talked, and rode along having a good time. The first part of the ride was really flat, couple of real pretty spots for scenery picutures except, DH has the camera and tood off Oh, well, I told him to go for it and see what he could do. I would have others to ride with so he didn't have to worry about me for a change. LOL
The first 20 miles or so were not to bad. We hit 1 hill that I had to get off and walk right before the 2nd rest stop. I was really starting to feel it by then and just couldn't make it up that hill. We sat for a bit at the next rest stop and filled the water bottles and gatorade bottles. They had run out and needed to get some more made up, so I was game for waiting. LOL
We rode on and came to the turn off for the 25 milers and DH was wating a litte ahead to see if we changed are minds. LOL
We didn't, we were going for it. So I'm feeling okay at this point, the wind had been picking up and we were bucking the head wind almost the whole way. I'm not sure how hard it was blowing but it could have been 5 mph and I would have thought 30. Mile 25 and I am wishing I had turned. We are hitting some pretty good hills and I am starting to have to get off and walk, I'm feeling like everyone's anchor. Mile 28, that's all she wrote, my body isn't going anymore, I can barely even walk up the hills at this point much les ride. The car comes by and ask me if I am okay, I'm like wishy washy about it for a second, I know I can't go on much longer even if I don't get in the car, but don't want to admit defeat either. I tell him to wait while I walk up to DH and stepmother who are waiting for me up a head, he drives on up and waits there. I get up there and let them know and he takes me back to the truck. My legs felt like they were dead weight. Texascyclist, was ahead of everyone when I went back and I called her later to see if DH and stepmother had caught up to her and if she knew that I had sagged out. They had caught her and I think they all stayed pretty much together for the most part the reat of the ride. My stepmother got up ahead my DH between mile 30 and 40 and she was doing good, and then DH got his second wind for the last 10 miles and pushed and got back before everyone.
Texascyclist stayed with my stepmother I think the last of the ride, (Thank you by the way) and then she came over to where we were parked afterward before we left. We got some pictures and Texascyclist and I made plans to hopefully ride again together. I think 25 is going to be my limit for a litte while, until I get stronger. Just seemed like I have been doing 20's and should have been able to do better. Maybe it was the not eating good, maybe it was just a bad day for me, I don't know. I just know I was about to the point of not being able to move had I not come back.
I did have fun though, and it was great to meet one of the TE girls.
Texascyclist is a very sweet personalbe person and I really appreciate her staying with my stepmother througout the ride.

Here's a few pictures

[DDH]

after the ride, doesn't she still look great.



The three women riders.



The three that made it all the way.

[DDH]

Okay, last one. This is when we or I was still energized.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Donna, you did GREAT!!!!

25 miles is nothing to sniff at. I could not do 25 miles 3 months ago, no way. Now I have done 40 a couple of times. You're just getting better and better!
I wish I could have been there riding with you!
Love the cute matching jerseys you got. Hey is that your DH?- cute!

Right ON, girl. What an accomplishment to be proud of. Nothing will be stopping you now.

[DDH]

Yes Lisa, that is my DH. You know I had a great time on the ride the first 25 miles or so, and that last 3 just about did me in.
I can't figure it out. I rode 26 miles in the Cove ride back in August, when it was much hotter, major hills through the whole ride and yes the last bit of it was really, really hard. I had only been back to riding maybe 3 weeks at that time and did that ride, yet yesterday at about 25 I was wiped but pushed on 3 more miles just out of sheer stuborness. My endurance should be better by now I would think, not the same.
I am trying to give myself a break and not be to upset, but I really must admit, I am quite disapointed with myself.
I know 28 miles is a lot, but, well, you know how you are just harder on yourself than others would be. I just really thought I would have been able to handle 30 or so before I started giving out. I mean the first 20 or so miles of that ride was flat, the hills didn't start until I think a little after the 20 miles mark.

I do want to say, I forgot to add a big thanks and pat on the back to the folks that organize this ride. They did really, all in all, a great job with the support. The police were at every intersection on the route guiding us through and watching over everyone, the sag crew was great. (of course I particularly loved the sag crew!! LOL) They rode the route over and over checking on folks and watching over everyone. The rest stops were good. I wouldn't say great but they did a good job. They would run out of gatorade and have to get more mixed which kept riders waiting. I didn't mind but you know how impatient some folks can be. All in all, I thought it was great just the fact that these folks get out there and volunteer to do this on their Sat. afternoon, and they don't have to. They certainly don't need any grief from anyone because they aren't quick enough keeping the garotade mixed. I think they needed to have an extra jug to be able to get started while one was getting emptied, but hey, if they don't have it then they did the best they could.
All in all, it was a big thumbs up, for everyone involved in the organization and running of this ride.

[cosc]

DDH, sounds like your waco ride was a great day. Good company, a new biker friend, nice scenery and 28 miles of great biking. I always consider walking just another one of my gears to get my bike up a hill. Next time before an event find time to eat breakfast. Your body knows when it is low on gas! Thanks for sharing the pics!