Haven't blogged much lately so, here's a recap of Saturday's bike ride -- both the longest ride of the year and the hottest day of the year.
Saturday started off with a lovely 30 minute (instead of 60 minute
-- I misread that) swim. That out of the way, it was time for the bike
ride. The goal was to do at least 60 EASY miles in 4 1/2 hours. I
decided to hit the canyon from the backside which means the first 2 1/2
hours were mostly flat cutting through some suburbs and small town
downtown neighborhoods. Highs were forecast to be in the 90's.
I
froze 2 bottles of water and 2 sport drinks leaving 2 sport drinks
immediately read. The 2 frozen bottles of water fit nicely into my
cycling jersey (love the deep pockets). It was already 72 when I
started. No sooner had I started, when I dropped the chain. I am
spatially challenged so had to take everything off the bike so I could
turn the bike upside down to fix it. Great, now my hands are COVERED in
bike grease and I'm only 30 seconds into my 4 1/2 hour ride. I used my 1
and only tissue to clean up.
Heading south and about 30 minutes
later, I was on the outskirts of the city. Endorphins were kicking in. I
loved my family. I loved my coach. I loved my friends. I loved you guys.... (really,
this is what goes on in my head). Away from the buildings and trees,
there was nothing to protect me from the wind. The thing about this area
is that when it's hot in the bay area, it is hotter in the central
valley. This creates strong winds that I hadn't taken in to
consideration. So, it was 30 minutes tucked as aero as could manage
until I was in the next town... right past the slaughter house with the cooking urine burning my sinus. Finally into town, I was
now going east which meant I wasn't taking the brunt of the wind
either.
It was nice to be out in the farmlands away from the
wind but, the roads are highly washboarded. I struggled to keep the pace
up because it hurt and because I didn't feel in control on those roads.
30 minutes of feeling like jack hammering, I was very glad to turn west
again and head for the canyon where I'd be out of the wind and for a
little while, under trees. All through the ride, I did a body check.
Arms feel good. Wrists are a little sore - is there a better position?
How's my peddling? Am I toe up or down? Up hurts the Achilles. Down
hurts the knees. How much fluid have I had. Is it time for a salt tab
or a gel? etc...
Up until now, the ride was rather flat. 35
miles in, I had a category 5 climb up into the far side of the canyon.
The air was stagnant. It was draining but, at least it was in shade. I
stayed in the saddle, went to the lowest gear I had, and spun my way up.
I stopped at the reservoir and re-arranged my bottles. All of the
frozen bottles were luke warm by now. It was nice to have plain water
after all that sweet sports drink. It was really hot by now.
But,
the climbing isn't done at this reservoir. I had 2 more to go by. I
made it up the next set of hills by staying in the saddle, low gear, and
spinning. 3 hours/40 miles, I was fried. It was sweltering. The road
was endless. Nothing to do but keep peddling. No sense in pushing. Just
peddle. I'm not calling Grumpy to come pick me up. Just peddle.
Have some more sport drink. Have some more water. OHHHH, feel that
little breeze. Is it time to eat another gel. Stand up and let some
blood flow into your but. c****. I don't have a tissue and I really have
to blow my nose ... did you know that snot wiped on ones bike shorts
provides a cooling effect?
I finally made it to the top of the
last big hill. As I swooped down out of the hills and turned the corner
to face the city, I was hit by the hottest wind I have ever felt - furnace hot. The
wind I fought early when I went south, had shifted and now, I got to
fight it the last 30 minutes of my ride.
It wasn't the funnest
ride I've ever done. I finished 61.28 miles in 4:22 and pretty much said
FU to trying to make it to a full metric century. Checked the outside
temperature - 101F. Used all the ice I had to make an ice bath which
melted as soon as I got in there. Managed to only sun burn the side of
my wrists.
So, now it's rest week. I wonder how long it will take for me to get bored?
