Hello--this is really Megan posting under Michelle's name.
First---a big thanks to Joe and Paul for igniting the flame to take a crack at road riding on cyclocross bikes. It was fun to take our new bikes out for a long ride---the bikes performed as well as their riders could operate them.
Michelle, our friend Pam, and I started from Berryville, VA at about 7:10am Sunday the 20th and finished 65 miles later at about 1pm. Pam's chain broke at mile 17 or so when she was standing up on the pedals on a tough uphill. Her bike locked up and she went crashing down on the road with only minor scrapes and minimal damage to her bike. (Although, she is out sick today/Monday with back spasms and her knee is acting up.) Michelle used the knowledge she learned from Paul to try to repair the chain, but we were lacking a master link. It was a great greasy effort nonetheless. Pam got a ride in the sag wagon to the next aid station where the mechanics fixed the chain in 2 seconds, thus leaving her with plenty of time to rest while Michelle and I pedaled the 23 miles to rejoin her. Pam ended-up riding 41 miles.
The good news is we saw Joe and Paul on the route and that was a big boost for me. They started riding the same course a little over an hour after we did, and there was no guarantee our paths would cross, but they did and that was a good lift. If I'd had an ounce more energy at the end of the day, we would have joined them for a post-ride beverage. That was just not even remotely in the cards for yesterday. If you can remember how you felt after your first 10 mile run or even longer distance, that's how I felt yesterday after the ride--emotionally ready to celebrate, physically challenged by a set of stairs.
In terms of effort, the ride was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. Chock that up to inexperience, spotty logic, and optimism. I'm very glad I did the ride. There was some swearing at the hills that was overpowered by the fun of trying something new in good company. (Yes, I did just admit that exercising was fun. Pick yourself up off the floor and keep reading. Don't worry--it won't happen again.)
Today (the day after), I'm the kind of sore that comes from exercising a lot. It feels great. Check out the few photos posted here on Picasa.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Michelle and Megan rock! Next time we'll have to ride together - Megan, I felt super drained yesterday after the ride, the only reason I made it out for a beer was because it was so close.
Those hills were no joke. They added another 20 miles in effort... maybe. (15 at least). So glad we all went out for it. It was like a first-of-its-kind, new adventure for me.
Congrats on your big ride! The scenery looks great and it was such a fine day. Eddie says he missed you both at Growlers (he was so bored with us he fell asleep).
Wow, sounds like a great time!
Fun! Nice write up! Good to see Michelle back in action!!
Post a Comment