I totally understood. I have been fluctuating between the two for the past 2 weeks.

But off we went. After not wanting to be in the middle of a group of people, we ended up near the front in a group of people. Then most of them passed us within the first few miles. About 2 miles into it, we hit the first hill and it was a doozie. I seriously wondered what I was doing. I also vowed that if we move, we’re moving somewhere very flat.

We got behind a guy a tad bit slower than I wanted to go (amazing, I know) so at a downhill I told dh to make a move and around we went. That was the only person we passed, although I got passed many times, even on up hill climbs.

For every up hill climb there was a downhill descent, but that wasn’t much better. At 25 mph I would start putting on the brakes. The computer says my max was 33.2. I suspect this was the hill that the truck followed me down because the blind turn meant he couldn’t pass me.

There were some struggles. At mile 8 I had to stop at a stop sign. When I started back up my left leg cramped up. I ended up stopping and stretching it for a minute. I finally got back on and around the next curve was the first rest stop I pulled in to find dh waiting for me.

That gave me a nice refreshing boost because I left with new wind in my sails. Some hills I would climb just fine (although slowly) and some would just kill me. At the second rest stop we hooked up with a trio (husband, wife, son-in-law) keeping a nice pace so I stuck behind them. Of course, right after we left that rest stop both feet started cramping. If I could eat my energy bar or drink from my energy bottle while riding I might skip the rest stops. Right now, though, using that right hand to sip from the CamelBack is all I can manage.

One last hill almost got me, but since it was 5 of us together I felt some pressure to just keep pedaling one foot after another and somehow I made it, going 5 or 6 mph.

I learned a lot – my balance is a bit better just being on the bike for 33 miles in a row. I can lift my right hand off to point at debris or a turn. I just can’t take a hand off the handlebars and pedal at the same time

To finish it up, I fell on my left side just before we turned into the finish line. Then fell on my right side just as we stopped. But I’m a professional now. I just laughed at how tired I was, jumped back up, and then walked (no hobbling for me) over to the ambulance for a couple of bandages. I may just bandage both knees before the ride next time. Seems more efficient.

I don’t think I’m ready to ride 30 miles at a time very often, but I’m happy with my performance today and looking forward to getting out again!

In building up to the MS Ride in October, we are joining in a few other charity rides over the summer. There are also free group rides/training rides that we will try to participate in.

On June 6 we are riding in the Collier Lilly Ride.

Then in July, on the 18th, we are going to ride in the Lake Norman Excursion Cycling Event which benefits the American Red Cross. This has a family friendly fun ride, plus 10, 40, 68, and 100 mile rides. We will probably do the 40 mile ride. As with the Collier Lilly ride, lunch is provided after the ride.

The Collier Lilly Ride4Life starts right up the road at Davidson College. We are doing the 50K (about 31 miles), which has put a little pressure on my training routine for the next 3 weeks. After the ride they are providing lunch and other activities so we can relax. And it’s all for another good cause.

I’ll let you know how it goes! I just hope it doesn’t rain.

It has a good hill so I get a workout riding up, some practice with my gears riding down, and a level spot to warm up in if needed. Sure, it’s just a big circle. But I love to people watch. There are always people riding bicycles, people walking or jogging, and the occasional three wheeler cyclist. Usually I know the people riding the same direction I am going in because they pass me at regular intervals. I enjoy seeing where on the loop I pass the people riding in the oposite direction. Then the joggers and walkers who are alternating their pace or resting.

The outfits each wears are always varied. Most of the cyclists wear the usual bike shirt/shorts so I get to see what kinds of colors they are. Then there is the occasional guy with a soaking wet t-shirt (or no shirt) and baggy shorts. Most wear helmets, but the t-shirt type never does.

If we get their early enough, we get to see a peloton ride through on their way to more exciting and varied paths. I’m a tad jealous of their ability to ride in a pack and I often wonder if dh would like to ride off with them.