Saturday, July 08, 2006

Today's Ride

Got in about 15 miles in an hour and 10 mins today. Very good ride, would have gone longer but just don't know any great routes around here with wide open spaces. Maybe tomorrow I'll up it to 20 miles.

Anyway, I have been riding my cousin's sweet bike (I haven't tried to jump it yet) that I'm going to ride next weekend for RAIN. I can't remember what I last posted about this lofty and maybe attainable goal. But after much hemhawing, I decided to finally go for it. I figure whatever distance I ride will be the most I've ever ridden (unless something goes dreadfully wrong) and I can rejoice in that accomplishment whether I make the full 160 miles or not. I'm excited and terrified about next Saturday AM.

This week, there'll be plenty more training, continuing to get used to the toe clips and seat, working my legs hard but not too hard, carb loading, etc. I also have a few random pieces of gear to collect. I would love to find a bike computer for cheap/free (hint, hint to anyone who reads this and has random bike gear going to waste), need to find some shoes - long story, and am going to borrow a shirt that wicks away sweat. I also need to buy some bottled water. It's beginning to sound like a grocery list, so I'll stop.

If anyone has some words of wisdom about riding in a large group - never really done that before - or riding these style of event, please pass them on... I can use all of the help that I can get.

1 comment:

Taylor Walters Denyer said...

-Key word: Drafting! Let someone else break the wind for you. Sticking close to their back tire (but not too close!) cuts down on wind resistance.

-Also, practice pedaling quickly. You want to keep your RPMs high or your knees will be killing you at the end of the day.

-RAIN is a fairly flat ride, but still try pedaling standing up occasionally to rest your butt.

-You'll regret it if you go all day without bike gloves--when picking out a new pair, remember you'll be wiping your snot on the back of them--some work better for this purpose.

-Throw some more hints about needing gear your uncle Bob's way.