War and Peace. Or: my 600k ride report

[Nanci]

It's ok Beta, by the time you get to the 600k, you'll be ready!

Nanci

[Lise]

These rides are amazing, and the reports are so much fun to read. I especially loved all the family being there for you at the end. And the descriptions of the peace and quiet of riding through the night. Looking forward to betagirl's reports!

BTW-as far as "bad azz" of the week, month, year....that award rotates pretty quickly through the astonishing women on this board!

[Barb]

Great job! I have not riden in a week due to moving. Now I can't wait to get out there!

[bikerz]

What an incredible story - I am completely in awe! That's a long way in a car, not to mention sitting on a bike saddle - yow! Amazing achievement!

[Bad JuJu]

Thanks for what turns out to be a WONDERFUL STORY! And huge congrats on finishing with the rubber side down.

[short cut sally]

What an accomplishment, I can't imagine being on my bike for 100 miles let alone a 600k..You should be so proud of yourself and thanks for sharing that story. shellyj

[mtkitchn]

Thanks so much for the report! What an amazing ride! I'm going to come back and reread it later again!

[bikerchick68]

maillotpois... amazing... yet again I sit here shaking my head in complete awe. You must be thrilled that you were able to talk yourself thru it mentally... I think what you said is so true... barring injury, accomplishing this feat becomes a very mental mind game with ones self...

Homey (and my brother and Richard from the Rebels if you know him a bunch of others) has been trying to get me to ride double centuries... I just can't imagine 16+ hours on the saddle... I worry about not being fast enough... but he assures me I would do well because I am a steady rider... I can hit a speed and maintain it for a looooong time as long as I don't try to keep up an unreasonable tempo to stick with others who are faster... he has yet to convince me! LOL...

your story, however... now THERE is some serious inspiration! who knows... maybe some day...

[Nanci]

Just do a 300k brevet! It's only 186 miles, and you have 20 hours to finish! Leisurely!

Nanci

[Geonz]

Oh, MY :-)

And writing it all down, too!

YOU DONE IT

[latelatebloomer]

I am just totally, totally awestruck. And the next time I'm getting ready to weenie out, I'll think of you.

[Bike Goddess]

Thanks so much for your wonderful report. I'm truly amazed that you could remember all of the details. I can barely imagine what it must have been like to ride in so much rain. That takes determination AND skill. Having driven 128 I could well imagine your concerns. Yet you got through it. Funny how the toughest part was the last even tho you knew the roads like the back of your hand! I'm so glad you could be in contact with your family. There is absolutely nothing like support from your loved ones. How neat that they came to meet you at the end!

Your vivid account should be published! I'd see if Bike California would put it in one of their issues. They have stories from riders and yours would (IMHO) definitely qualify. What really kept me in the moment was your inclusion of other riders and their fate. Your description of what it was like to ride in the dark was excellent as well.

I really mean it when I say you should publish. Good journalism should be passed around. Let your words be an inspiration for other riders to go past what they dreamed they could do as well. Bravo!

[Nanci]

I'm amazed you had the mental energy to write a report so soon! It took me forever! How's recovery going? Should be over the worst of it by tomorrow. We have to make sure the potential other brevet completers know they aren't going to die from riding 374 miles...

[maillotpois]

Thanks Nanci and Nancy and EVERYONE else for your wonderful comments!

Recovery: My arms hurt!! My legs have felt better than after, say the Death Ride or Tam Double. The quads are just a little sore if I massage them. Overall I am shocked by how good my legs feel. But my arms hurt - especially putting shirts on and off. My face is chapped; my cough is back. My butt recovered after a day - which is astonishing.

My digestive system seems not to know what to do. I was mildly nauseated yesterday all day. Today I ate a LOT at lunch (large Quizno's sandwich!) and now am not hungry. It comes in waves and I am trying not to overeat. It's weird, though, because after a double I am ravenous for a week. But I feel low grade queasiness now.

Overall, my recovery has been good so this should not put fear into the hearts of prospective 600k-ers. I feel better and better as I catch up on sleep. I have had a full work schedule all week so can't sleep "in" (I usually get up at 5). But I have beenin bed fairly early and gotten a good 7 - 8 hours the last 2 nights. I still feel a bit of a sleep deficit, though. But heck I only got 45 minutes on Saturday.

[Lise]

Don't forget the little lie-down on the cat pee smelling door mat! For some reason, that little bit about lying down on the doormat was the funniest part of the tale to me.

Interesting that it was your arms that came out most sore. Glad to hear you've been able to get in 7-8 hr sleep. IMHO that's one of the most powerful healers.