Finally breached the 50-mile (or 81 kilometers, for my family in Oz) riding test for me on Sunday, and still felt pretty strong at the end of the ride. The ride took place in temperatures running in the mid-90’s (35C), and that probably was the toughest aspect of the day.
The 50 miles represents the distance for the Valero Bike to the Beach from the Start Line to the lunch stop on the first day. So it’s be a psychological challenge for me.
I made the point of drinking, drinking and drinking some more. Carrying onboard a 24-ounce water bottle with POWERade and a 2nd water bottle with plain water, I filled them both two more times on the ride and had drained them both by the time I arrived back to the Start/Finish line. And I’m “relieved” to say that I did need a bathroom a few times during the ride! You’ll recall, in my early training I was worried about not having to use the toilet. I think I’ve found “my” hydration balance. Also, I've become a major fan of "Gu."
The ride itself left Comal Elementary School, out Highway 3009 (jarred the fillings in my teeth), headed to Gruene on Highway 1826 (smooth as glass), turned back towards New Braunfels, headed east to cross over Interstate 35 for the loop on Green Valley Road.
The heat and the distance left me thinking this was a brutal ride for me and my limited training. But it was a ride that helped me test several personal factors: stamina, strength and speed (I really used my big ring and small cog) on all the flats I put my head down and hit the pedals hard. It felt good!
Walking the bike while standing in my pedals is becoming a favorite pastime for the hills I encounter, and it makes me feel a good deal more in control.
I’m heading to Houston on Saturday, running some errands for the MS Society, and will be looking to jump in on a training ride on Sunday, Sept. 7. I’ve put out feelers to some of my friends over there to see what rides they might be participating in that I can join.
FUNNY: When I unloaded my bike the front tire was as flat as a piece of paper! Never had a flat until now and I guess the good thing is that it didn’t happen during the ride. I carefully ran my fingers around the inside of the tire and found no sharp objects. I ran my hand over the outside of the tire and found a piece of glass. It left a three side hole in the tire, so my buddy Pete Templin (by phone) said you could use the tire again, but how many future tubes are you willing to sacrifice! He told me about the “old dollar bill” trick as a temporary fix to extend the life of a tire, which I’ve heard before. Needless to say, I’m off to Bicycle Shack of Boerne Tuesday (they are closed Mondays) to buy a new tire.
C ya on the road! Tony
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