We set out with my Mom and Aunt on Saturday morning. Got to the race site a little after 6:30 and started riding around 7. I remember that, 35 miles in, I was feeling amazing. We were doing a decent pace—somewhere around 14-15 mph. For the duration of that day, it was my boyfriend and I riding at our pace alone (definitely have learned my lesson about drafting after Sunday….)
By mile 55, I was starting to feel miserable. Could not get comfortable. There was one point that I just wanted to get off my bike and throw it in a ditch. I felt bad for my boyfriend—about 15 miles from the end, I got grouchy. Quiet and grouchy. Silence makes for an even longer ride…
We got to Port Clinton around 2:15 and crossed the finish line. Over 5,500 calories burnt, 5 hours and 33 minutes in the saddle and a total distance of 80 miles. My legs were sore beyond belief but ended up feeling better after being off of my bike for an hour or so.
We went to Put-in-Bay for the evening, picked up some wine from the winery on the island and got dinner. Got back to the hotel and crashed—75 more miles to go in the morning!
Sunday I started out excited. The soreness from the day before was completely gone. After about 20 miles, we met up with a group of bikers that were going at about the same pace we had been going. We joined on and made their crew of 8 turn to 10. There were periods of time that the group grew to 20-30 people. It was impressive. I fully understand drafting and don’t think I would have made it on Sunday without that group of people—not just for the sake of helping break up the wind resistance but they were able to help get my mind off of the pain… heck, we played eye spy for about 10 miles. Immensely helpful. Day 2 we rolled across the finish line at about a quarter after 1. 74.9 miles, just over 5 hours in the saddle and a bit higher of an average pace.
Sunday I started out excited. The soreness from the day before was completely gone. After about 20 miles, we met up with a group of bikers that were going at about the same pace we had been going. We joined on and made their crew of 8 turn to 10. There were periods of time that the group grew to 20-30 people. It was impressive. I fully understand drafting and don’t think I would have made it on Sunday without that group of people—not just for the sake of helping break up the wind resistance but they were able to help get my mind off of the pain… heck, we played eye spy for about 10 miles. Immensely helpful. Day 2 we rolled across the finish line at about a quarter after 1. 74.9 miles, just over 5 hours in the saddle and a bit higher of an average pace.
I’m glad I had the opportunity to ride this year. It was a great experience. Not 100% enjoyable at all points of the ride, but the people I met were great. My boyfriend had told me that they sent out a survey a few years back—the results of it said that the average age of the riders was 58—to me, that’s impressive. I can’t tell you the number of elderly people that put me to shame while riding. I hope I'm in that good of shape when I get that old...
Will I do it again? Yes. Definitely. It’s a worth-while cause and amidst all the pain, I really enjoyed the experience.
Will I do it again? Yes. Definitely. It’s a worth-while cause and amidst all the pain, I really enjoyed the experience.
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