My first few rides of ALC training are summed up below... enjoy.
Ride 6/7
Everyone around me says that this ALC Ride will be transformational and life changing. I am now seeing that... 1. because I am quickly learning that riding after a night out on town= painful! 2. Riding is priority so the social life and other potential obligations have been put on hold (thank you friends and family for understanding), 3. It is a challenge and challenges change you whether you like it or not.
This weekend was a test to number 3. I challenged myself to a CAT 3 ride, meaning a faster pace, longer distance, and steeper climbs. I really didn't know whether I could do it or not but the thought it was exciting. With a little (okay A LOTTA ) push from my infamous ride leader... I showed up to a 90 mile ride (the longest I had done to date was 55, quite the jump). 7 hours later I found myself approaching the last 5 miles and having gone through emotional highs and lows and on the verge of tears... partly because I was delerious and the end was close and partly because the end was close and I did it! So lesson learned just show up and it will happen.
So what better way to celebrate a riding milestone than to wake up the next morning and get back on the bike... painful -yes... supportive- totally, fun - ALWAYS! The best part was I hit close to 45mph on a windy downhill that before would have scared the crap outta me... now I ask for more. I can't wait to see what else is unlocked with me. Fear, pain, emotions are all a part of life and what doesn't kill ya can only make you stronger!
Lessons:
- just show up
- Stay to the right ... to the right!
- bicycle etiquette: warn others when you are going to stretch on your bike so they don't end with their face in your ass.
~Ritu
by Ritu Riyat on Sun, Apr 03, 2011 @ 7:19 PM
Ride 5
Another awesome ride and this time it was not raining! 50 miles... sounded intimidating at first. Jefferson climb wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The great thing about these training rides is that they are soo much fun I don't realize how far I have gone... that is until I'm almost lost! I'm not quite the fast one nor am I the slow one and at one point I found myself with NO ONE... not a good thing for the directionally challenged. Thats when the rabbit chase began, I sped up and eventually caught a fellow rider who far ahead of me. Unfortunately those that are meant to get lost, always do... haha. Just as we were nearing the end me and another directionally challenged rider made a wrong turn... so 50 miles + 3.81 done... with the help of some Samoa Girl Scout cookies and great ride leaders! I love this group!
Lesson of the day: Eat before you are hungry; drink before you are thirsty.
I hear this all the time but its really true. I wasn't hungry at the rest stop and was ordered to eat... 15 miles later I was happy I did.
Next up... 80 miles... yikes!
by Ritu Riyat on Tue, Mar 15, 2011 @ 1:06 AM
#4 -Rainy Ride
It was raining today! After some helpful motivation from my fellow riders I got my butt out of bed and into my ninja biking gear (I am still looking for some color). The roads were wet, the rain was down to a drizzle and my motivation wavering. I got to the meeting point and everyone was ready to go... (Apparently im not the only crazy cyclist rain or shine they RIDE!) After the initial huffing, puffing, and cribbing I got my mo jo. The fresh air and greenery is a sure fire way to get the mo jo flowing. Once again another beautiful and adventurous ride. Even though the rain + gravel and other crap was flying towards me, I was having a good time (shhh... don't tell my ride leader). 2 hours or so later we made our way back to the car... the sun peeked out to say hi. And my hot post ride shower and nap never felt better! Until next week.
Todays ride tip: Dont ride over the metal stuff in the rain (its slippery).
Last week: High Low High thats how we turn.
Peace
by Ritu Riyat on Sun, Mar 06, 2011 @ 5:41 PM
Ride 2
I went on my second training ride today, 30 miles done! It felt great and so much easier than the first ride last week. The hills weren't as bad, and my nerves were more calm. More than anything, the support of the ride leaders and other riders has been amazing! I look forward to the next ride!
Tips of the day:
- Shift your gears every 30 seconds.
- plan for where you are going next, especially at the stops and lights.
- SPIN SPIN SPIN!
by Ritu Riyat on Sun, Feb 13, 2011 @ 11:29 PM
