… with the hint of a thought that I might actually ride 30 PLUS MILES.
In fact, because of my times restraints due to an EVENING PERFORMANCE, the agreement was that I would ride out an hour, turn around and ride back.
Let’s just say, that’s what I was thinking when I left the house – what really happened was a completely different story.
BIKE WITH BUD'S was an untimed, charity ride along the YOUGH RIVER TRAIL that’s part of the GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE. We began at YOUGH RIVER PARK in Connellsville and rode toward Pittsburgh to WHITSETT, PA and then back.
I was up early, and I got out Mountain MAN to add some accessories I’d purchased and get him loaded on my car for the trip. Once I had my water and protein bars, I was ready to leave.
Somewhere on the way, I was thinking about 30 miles and I just knew that I was going to do it. I figured that I could do 10 miles in a hour – that would be 20 miles total if I just did the hour out and back that I’d committed to do.
What’s another 10 miles?
You know how you just FEEL things?? Yeah. Exactly like that…
It was a beautiful day – a bit on the warmish side, but we were next to the river and for the most part, shaded by the trees on the trail. The 15 miles out was a breeze. I didn’t feel the need to stop at all. It was an easy ride and even though I’m not fast, I try to keep steady with the pedaling.
The turnaround was in Whitsett and there was a pavilion to get out of the sun. We’d made it in just over an hour and 40 minutes. I had some vitamin water, peanut butter crackers and a couple bites of protein bar. I walked around a bit to stretch out my muscles and then we were ready to head back.
I’m not going to kid you – it felt like 15 miles out and 45 miles back.
About mile 22, I began to know that I needed more protein. There was a campground on the trail and I thought it was about 10 miles out from where we started. I’d planned to stop there and eat something more. Except, every turn and there wasn’t any campground. [Turns out the campground was 3 miles FROM the START.]
I finally HIT THE WALL around mile 25.
I got out of the sun and was able to eat and drink. I wasn’t afraid that I wasn’t going to finish – I just knew that I had to get protein into my system. I want it to be clear: I never felt I was in uncontrolled physical distress. I understood what was happening and did what I needed to handle the situation.
The last 5 miles were the toughest. I really had to dig deep. I didn’t talk much because I was using all my energy to maintain forward motion. I got a cramp in my left leg – but was able to work it out while pedaling. It was most difficult to find a comfortable position on the saddle. I don’t care what kind of seat you purchase – NOTHING is comfortable after 25 miles.
NOTHING.
But you know what – I pushed through.
I finished strong!
30 miles.
I believe I said something along the lines of: I did it – I don’t ever feel the need to ride 30 miles at one time again.
Harry said to me: So, you ready for the Half Century? [50 miles.] I immediately shot him a look that would strike down a lesser man [he’s use to those looks from me], but after I thought about it, replied: Well, most of those are road races on asphalt and that’s always faster riding than trail riding. MAYBE.
Honestly – I probably would.
But I gotta tell ya, when I look at the map and it tells me I rode 30 miles?
I still don’t believe I did it…
OH!
I also turned in a stellar evening performance after the 30 miles on my bike.
Cause that’s what acting athletes do.
Apparently.
**Thank you Jeff John for a wonderful biking experience, encouraging me and keeping me motivated to do what ‘I can do’… XOOX
No comments:
Post a Comment