The season’s first big ride, 200km
Miles rode: 200km brevet (128 miles actually covered)
Time: 8:10 (guessing… I’ll have to check the computer later…)
Avg speed: 16mph (again, guessing…)
HR: 146/186
Perceived effort: 7
Total climbing: 5729 ft (Thanks to Heather for that data. Whew, that’s a lot of climbing!)
Temp: 39 degrees (with ever so brief excursions into the 40’s)
Total mileage this year: (mind you, the YEAR) 160 miles. Funny how I’m not too far away from my total mileage running in just two rides.
This is the first in John Ceceri’s Brevet series. It was also an experiment in seeing how my fitness is after being off the bike for three months. Sure I’ve been running pretty regularly and intensely, but still, one never knows. Turns out my fears were unfounded. The ride was excellent!
It started from John’s new home in Schylerville and proceeded west out to Jockey Street (my least favorite road full of enough rollers to choke a factory assembly line). North to Scanandaga Lake and along South Shore road. Lake Luzerne, Corinth, a spin through my neighborhood… up the climb on Greene Road, Strakos, Parkhurst, Gansevoort Rd, Clarke Road, then it follows the Saratoga 12/24 course. Sadly, the batteries in my GPS gave out in Corinth, AND the bloody spare batteries I carried were dead as well. So much for anticipating problem (what? am I supposed to bring backups for the spares, too?!)
There were 14 or 15 intrepid souls who started out at 7am. I think only one did not finish. Of the group, I knew only a couple, John Ceceri (of course), John Jurczynski, Heather Mosley, and Buck Maille. John, John and I ended up riding the whole course together save for the first leg up to the checkpoint. It was a treat to hear these experienced ultra endurance riders talk about past events and share stories. I also heard my share of opinions concerning the controversies surrounding the UMCA and RAAM events. The three of us finished behind only one other person, much to our surprise. Well, MY surprise. John J. could have dropped John C. and I at any point, but was a gracious and social rider and stuck by us.
Yesterday, I was worried the butt would be a factor in keeping me from finishing, but after the first ten miles of some serious doubts about whether the end was near (pun intended), the uncomfortableness subsided to a low level (pun unintended). It DID help that I applied a generous helping of Assos chamois cream (a name that’s giggle-worthy) to said area before leaving the house.
Again, I’m amazed at how I managed a strong, consistent and comfortable ride. It’s very gratifying to know I can up and bust out a 200km ride (in under 40 degree weather no less), after a three month cycling hiatus. Bonking was a very real possibility, considering I can’t be trusted to monitor my own food and water intake. However, I made it a very high priority and eat and drank quite a bit. If I count correctly, I had 4 Luna bars, 2 Snickers bars, 2 Hammer gels, a bag of (the most God-awful tasting) cashews, 2 bottles of Perpetuum drink, 4 bottles of water or Gatorade, and 1 Red Bull. Actually, not as much as I thought. Actually, that seems like JUST enough.
Before I left John’s house, I registered an application with the Randonneurs USA organization. If I DO happen to complete the brevet series this year, perhaps I’ll be able to add a nifty medal to my cycling memorabilia.
So, what did YOU do with your Sunday?
PS: If you’re a local rider visiting my site (or even not so local…) please post a comment and let me know about your site if you have one. It’s good to build the community!
8 Comments to The season’s first big ride, 200km
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I did nothing much with my Sunday compared to YOUR Sunday. Really? I’m tired and wanting a nap just reading about the ride.
Assos chamois cream IS giggle worthy. Ha Ha Frickety HA!!
OMG you so amaze me what with your running and cycling. I sit here and think of all the adventures you do have, and the endurance it takes to complete. You have set your goals for a medal and there’s not doubt in my mind you WILL have one.
Assos chamois cream huh? too funny, but hey whatever works with those dang ol bike seats right? hahaha love the name!!!
As always, your determination and willingness to put yourself out there impresses me. After three months off, jumping in with both feet and hitting a 200K is pretty bold. You would think that I would no longer be suprised with the results you are able to generate while going into the unknown (24 hr solo event, 200K after three months off) but I am. These things make me want to try harder at what I do. Thanks. Clearly you don’t participate in these things for others to be inspired by you, but it is hard not to be motivated by watching a friend reach inside themselves and pull out something like this. It promotes a “hey, I wonder what I can do if I try too” feeling.
Sounds like it was nice to get back on the bike again! Did you ever post pics of the art project?
I knew you wouldn’t have any problems even though you haven’t been on the bike in a while. I think the running helped out alot. I’m glad you had a great ride. I could tell that you had a great day just by the look on your face when you came home.
hmm so my Sunday was useless compared to yours. If I said, stayed in bed until 2 then got up and did launry and cleaned a little, throw a nap in there, and did some homework, would I sound lazy?? thought so!
Congrats on the ride! Keep riding for me!! Maybe the motivation will spread!
I sat on my but most of the day while Shannon slept. Lord knows why she was so tired. I was running on 8 hrs sleep for the weekend. I did get out on Saturday, but couldn’t motivate myself for a ride on Sunday.
I have a long way to go. I did get out today for a miserable ride. I have a lot of respect for you guys who made riders out of yourselves while actually working.
chokin’ up your bandwith
eatin’ up a sandwich
it’s my internet rap
my internet rap