May 17 Weekend Rides

[Trek-chick]

Did 12 on the road bike Sat. and finally got DH to go for a ride with me on the railtrails...we did 18 miles It is so nice to ride with someone, as I usually go by myself.

[luvmyguys]

First attempted century on Saturday. Oy.

Literature said that rider services ended at 3 (ride start at 7:30). I thought that meant I had to get to the last stop by 3, which I could have done, even with the 17 mph wind (with gusts to 25-30 mph). Minus the wind, I probably could have even gone all the way and gotten back by 3. But when they said, "Rider services stop at 3", what they really meant was, "Your car gets towed at 3" (ride start was at a (car) racetrack).

The first 1/3 went pretty well, except for the stuff that went flying out of my top tube bag on a steep, bumpy descent. The pace was good, but I was starting to get nervous about nutrition with the short breaks we were taking (I was eating whenever I could). We hit the next 1/3 of the route, and that's when the headwinds hit pretty hard. We completely lost our pace, and even after we hit the downwind section, I couldn't keep up a pace needed to make up for the miles that we'd be going into the wind - I was starting to wear out. At this point, one of the coaches was being hit with an epidemic of flat tires, and one team member wiped out on a sharp curve on a downhill and was sagged straight to the hospital (she was okay, fortunately). There was one point of no return, which I was to pass twice. I figured I could get to it the second time, and at least get 85-90 miles in. I hit that second stretch of headwinds, however, and I think I just bonked at about 66 miles (not knowing what bonking feels like, I think I bonked). I stopped once, and then I got back on the bike and went at a pathetically slow pace (still headwinds at this point). I got to one light and saw that the cops directing traffic were starting to pack it in. I got a ride with one of the SAG drivers, who took me to the next rest stop, where dh was - I think this was about 1:30 or so. I thought maybe I'd rest for a few minutes, and try to make it to that point of no return, which wouldn't have been too far. The rest stops were starting to dump ice and pack things in, and once I sat down, I realized that my head was spinning. I called it at that point. I at least made the metric century point, right? I wish I could have at least made a new mileage high, even if I didn't get the 100 done.

I was pretty disappointed - I keep asking myself if I had just hit a wall, and should I have gone on?

So I have a score to settle with that 100 mile mark. Next opportunity will be in July, so I'm aiming for that one. I'll take a break as we go on vacation, and then get back to it when I get back.

[Catrin]

Sounds like some great time was had by all!

Luvmyguys - congratulations on your accomplishment! A metric isn't a small mark, and there is a world of difference between a metric and imperial century. It sounds like you did exactly what you needed to do, and it might have been different without those headwinds. Headwinds take a lot of energy and bonking can become dangerous. That milestone is still out there waiting for you - and I've the same milestone still waiting for me

[ZenBiker]

Saturday was windy and generally unpleasant so that was an indoor trainer day. Sunday was sunny, though still a little windy and cool. Did 30 miles, flat to rolling with one short hill. Although I was grumbling a little as I started out and the wind was making my jacket snap as I pumped up tires, it felt great and I was glad I did it.

[Giulianna23]

Had a social ride scheduled last Friday had to cancel due to heavy rain. Went on a 25 mile ride with a group in Fishers Saturday....nice group and ride but the streets get very busy at certain spots so you gotta be very alert. It does not bother me to much because I usually commute to work and I am kinda used to the traffic. Then on Sunday had a very nice 18 mile ride that I organized . It was a small group of 5 but we had the best time ever...the ride was early in the morning at 9:00 a.m. and through back country roads around my area. A pretty nice ride with some nice rolling hills, some climbs and downhills that gives you in a short period of time a nice overall workout. There were hardly any winds and the roads were empty and peaceful . It was like everyone stayed at home to let us have the roads for ourselves. We even saw a few Turtles crossing the roads like even they knew it was safe to cross...LOL. After that in the afternoon spent some time with the family at Eagle Creek park and even scored about 7 more miles riding with the family. I can't complain I had a very good riding weekend.

[AppleTree]

Did the Haul Ash Ride (to commemorate the eruption of Mt. St. Helens) from Redhook brewery to Freemont - a 42 mile round trip. Sounded like a nice social ride, all on the bike trail, relaxed pace, etc. Only they let loose about 1000 riders on the trail all at once. Crazy-ness ensued... I will never do that again. I was behind a woman in the midst of all that talking on her freaking cell phone... The mid-point stop was a pub into which said 1000 riders tried to pack in all at once, and they wouldn't let you out of if you had any kind of a drink in your hand. I have issues being in a place that packed in and noisy for very long.

But, we were very fortunate with the weather, it threatened rain a few times, but never really did, stayed cool and overcast, perfect riding weather. And as crowded as it was, I managed to get a 13.5 mph, which is good for me!

Sunday was the antidote... we went out by ourselves on the Centennial Trail. It was like heaven, quiet and only a few other bikes. Although it did sprinkle a bit on us, I didn't care, and did a peaceful 16 miles of beautiful country riding.

Luvmyguys, 66 miles is no small thing, congratulations are due!

[lauraelmore1033]

I did a hilly 61 mile ride with the Cascade Club training group. Started in Renton, went out to Hobart and did a loop of Mercer Island on the way back to the start. I have dreaded each and every one of these rides, and it takes everything I have to get up early and just get there, but by the time the ride is over, I'm rolling back to the car belting out a triumphant chorus of "We Are The Champions" and generally feeling pleased with myself. That feeling never lasts and soon I am dreading the next ride. Next weeks ride is 75 miles with 3600 feet of climbing and I'm already feeling that resistance building.

[rebeccaC]

My first post on this forum. One of the things I enjoy, besides riding, is photography. I usually carry a camera in my handlebar bag to take photos of some of my rides here in Southern California. The weekend of the 18th/19th I rode/hiked in Joshua Tree National Park.