Today, was my second cold weather riding solo adventure. To commemorate the event, I present you with a ridiculous photo:
(Nerd.)
I was taking on the same Harbins Park loop as last Sunday, but with a modification. Instead of driving to the park, I was going to leave straight from my house. This meant riding up New Hope Road in Lawrenceville. [New Hope is also known as death by rolling hills.] I knew I had 7-9 miles of rolling hills before even getting to the main twenty mile loop. But that was okay, because I needed 38 miles today (thanks, Coach Monster).
Last week, I had asked Coach Monster some questions about hill riding.
Me: So I think that riding 20 miles on the hills is like riding 40 miles on flat.
Coach M: What?
Me: I mean, obviously, it’s so hard. So I think when you say “ride 38 miles” that if I do about 19 in the hills, that will suffice because I used to do about 38 on flat road and—-
Coach M: —No.
Me: But really, think about—-
Coach M: —No. Suck it up. Ride the hills. 38 miles, you wacko.
So with “you wacko” resounding in my head, I finished up my coffee, wrote out my “quick turn here” map, and bundled up and headed outside. It was thirty-two degrees. Holy cow.
Despite the weather and my alleged mental hill weakness, I had a great ride. A great ride. Really. It was hard, but it was awesome. [Feet are still frozen.]
The Expert said, “Congratulations, you just did your first real ride.” I thought, Well, that’s snotty. But I know he’s SO right.
I’ve only done 28 miles in the hills. And this was much stronger, faster and smarter. I don’t know why smarter, but I just felt like saying that. So there.
The ride was so enjoyable, and beautiful. (And hard).
My time to cover 38 miles was 2:46:00, or around 14.5 mph. A little slow, but considering that the return trip down New Hope to my house consisted of 5 mph on 2 mile long climb, I’ll take it.
(Apparently, my Garmin got lost in the trees…. but I thought this was funny.
Aren’t you impressed with my 1000 ft elevation gain, like, 500 times?)
I learned today to make friends with the climbing, like Coach M always says. I actually enjoyed climbing today, for the first time ever.
Yes, the main challenge was not to topple over on the uphills. To prevent that from occurring, I had to keep my legs turning over, stay focused, and when necessary… get my big buns out of the saddle and hoof it.
I hope you all have a great week and get lots of presents coming to you over the holidays. I want a bosu ball, a tri bike and a pair of skinny thighs… and….
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Ya, suck it up! Wow, you did get some elevation ups and downs huh? Looks like a wonderful ride. I wish I had the same scenery. Would want to make me go do some bike riding, too! Great job!
You look bada$$ in that photo. And your ride proves you are.
Love the 1st pic! I am a pansy when it comes to hills, but I know it just makes us stronger (and smarter, lol), right?
When I saw your "ridiculous" picture, I thought TOUGH, not nerd. 🙂 Nice ride, girl!
You guys are funny… I will work on my nerd pictures… I am sure I can find one you will go: "Yep, THAT is ridiculous." 🙂 You all are just TOO supportive…that's the "problem." 🙂
Loved the pic! You looked great. Good job on those hills. No bikes for me, just running, but I can definitely appreciate those hills.