April Fools Ride Reports

[indysteel]

What a fitting ride for April Fool's. All weekend, the forecast called for strong winds on Sunday, but like a lot of cyclists in Indianapolis, I woke up yesterday and breathed a sigh of relief because the winds were calm. I called up my friend Tracy and said "it's a go." However, by our 10 a.m. start time, the winds--at least out in the boonies--had already started to pick up. I can deal with the wind, but after a certain point--say over 20 mph, it makes me lose the will to live.

In any event, there was a big crowd and given the sun and warmth, everyone seemed eager to ride. Somehow or another, Tracy and I ended up being two of the first riders out. No big deal, except that we spent the first few minutes holding on for dear life and letting the members of the "fast pack" pass us, including my ex-boyfriend whom I hadn't seen since last October (but that's a whole other story ).

Anyway, after about 20 riders flew by, we found ourselves pulling the second big pack. Thankfully, we weren't heading into the wind at that point and it felt pretty darn good to be cruising along with 30 or so people following behind. After about 7 miles of that, we turned a corner and let another couple of guys take the lead, one of whom complimented us on a "good pull." From there, Tracy and I fell off the back of the main group, deciding to take it a little easier, and we essentially rode into the SAGat a relaxed, but strong, pace.

By the SAG, I think we all had a pretty good sense that the wind had picked up even more. Some people were opting to take a shorter route, but we were determined to stick to our original plan to do the "long" route. Nevetheless, I suggested to Tracy that we tag alone with a group of guys that are all steady, strong riders since I knew that we could never make it alone. They paced us through a 10-mile loop from there that took us back to the SAG. We hit some strong cross and headwinds during the loop and took advantage of the SAG to refuel a bit more.

From there, a couple of groups came together to head south. I was second from the front behind my friend Don, who proved to be a godsend. The headwind was bad, but we plowed through it pretty well for the next 9 miles or so. Then we turned into the west into some brutal crosswinds. At mile 42 I remember looking down at my odometer and thinking "just 6 more miles to go." Then I went up a short hill and literally felt the last drop in my gas tank before it emptied. My legs were toast. At that point, I fell off the main group a bit, and Don was kind enough to slow down and pull me in. Then Tracy fell off too and the two of, with Don's infinite patience, crawled in.

By the time I reached my car, I was on my middle ring and my 25 cog. It was rather sad, but in my defense, there were reported gusts of 37 mph, with sustained winds in excess of 20 mph. It wasn't pretty, but I did it--with a little help from my friends. I am knackered today, however.

[HappyAnika]

I set lots of "firsts" yesterday:

First time cutting short planned mileage, planned 50, only did 36.

First time reaching 180 bpm on the bike (well, since I got my hrm a few weeks ago anyway). Unfortunately this occured while pedaling up a 6% grade into a 30 mph sustained headwind at a whopping 4.5 mph. (My slowest sustained speed ever).

First time fearing that the wind might blow me backward down the hill.

First time nearly being blown into a guard rail.

First time bonking.

First time thinking that I might actually have to stop and have DH go home to get the car and pick me up (although I made it). This was while traveling directly into a 30 - 40 mph sustained headwind for 8 miles through rolling hills.

Almost forgot, first time being moved to shout expletives due to wind/fatigue induced misery.

The only good "first":
A new top speed of 43 mph.

My face is peeling not from sunburn, but wind burn. I'm taking today off.

[mimitabby]

gee, sounds like it was windy all over yesterday!

[quint41]

We were the fools...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It all started out fine.

SheFly: We could have been on the same ride!

Started off just fine with 3 friends.

First - I almost got run over by a box truck. Honest to God, that truck was so close to me I felt the dust on the side of it. One more inch and I would have been under his wheels. (High granite curb on my right, no where for me to go!)

Second - rider in front of me stopped short with no warning. I avoided a collision, but didn't unclip in time and fell over. Fortunately, I feel in the grassy shoulder! (Tip-over #2 with my clipless pedals.)

Third - We discover one rider's rear tire going flat. Found the glass, fixed the tire, back on the road.

Four - We discover same rider's front tire getting soft.

We decided to call it quits. 15.9 total.

Just in time! It started to rain!

That's ok. Did 23 miles on Saturday, first real riding weekend of the season. I can feel the shoulder muscles kind of rippling, but nothing's really aching, so I'm a happy girl.

[RolliePollie]

I just love reading about everyone's rides and experiences...even about the skinned knees are near misses. This forum is just wonderful. It really helps me to read about what other ladies are up to...I start to get a little discouraged sometimes because I want to make faster progress...but then I read all the different posts and it makes me feel better. Thank you to everyone for sharing!

So my new bike seat played a nasty April Fool's trick on me. Another first...my first saddle sore! Ouch! Anyone want to buy a Terry Liberator X? Only has about 50 miles on it. I know you have to give a new saddle some time to break in...but I just don't think this is going to work. Did I say ouch yet?

Mimitabby and Lisa S.H. - I feel guilty after reading your nice comments about my speed...I must admit something just terrible. I had to get off and WALK on one gigantic long steep hill because I literally just came to a stop when I ran out of gears (and my legs just happened to die at that moment as well). I turned off my bike computer so it wouldn't mess up my average mph. I don't think that's allowed. I think I am a big huge cheater!

Happy April everyone...hopefully we'll all be blessed with good weather soon

[RolliePollie]

Me again...

Hi Yellow...I didn't see your post before. I walked up Miller Hill. Do you remember that one?

[smilingcat]

I just love reading about everyone's rides and experiences...even about the skinned knees are near misses. This forum is just wonderful. It really helps me to read about what other ladies are up to...I start to get a little discouraged sometimes because I want to make faster progress...but then I read all the different posts and it makes me feel better. Thank you to everyone for sharing!

So my new bike seat played a nasty April Fool's trick on me. Another first...my first saddle sore! Ouch! Anyone want to buy a Terry Liberator X? Only has about 50 miles on it. I know you have to give a new saddle some time to break in...but I just don't think this is going to work. Did I say ouch yet?

Mimitabby and Lisa S.H. - I feel guilty after reading your nice comments about my speed...I must admit something just terrible. I had to get off and WALK on one gigantic long steep hill because I literally just came to a stop when I ran out of gears (and my legs just happened to die at that moment as well). I turned off my bike computer so it wouldn't mess up my average mph. I don't think that's allowed. I think I am a big huge cheater!

Happy April everyone...hopefully we'll all be blessed with good weather soon

When you don't have any energy left to keep pedalling. We call it bonking. Its quite alright. Everyone does it at one time or another. You are being sensible to walk up the hill instead of struggling.

And I think you are doing just great to be out and riding. NO ONE EVER GOES OUT THE FIRST TIME AND AVERAGE OVER 20MPH for 100 mile stretch. I returned to cycling after 6 year hiatus after a major crash. The first time I went out last year, my butt was numb after only 10 miles and it took me an hour to ride.

Shawn