My First 100K Bike Ride

On February 27 I did my first 100K (67 miles) bike ride in Linden. Of all the races, triathlons, and runs I've ever done, I think this was my very favorite. I absolutely LOVED it! I know I look just a little too happy in this photo.

I was a little nervous before the ride started. I had done 45 miles on my own and was pretty sure I could do 67, but I was also a little unsure of what to expect. I went by myself. It would be nice to have a riding partner, but I really don't mind going on my own. I like being able to go at my own pace - not too fast or too slow. It was a cool and windy day. Many people thought it would rain, but it was clear during the entire ride.

I refuse to wear the unattractive biking jerseys, but I would like to get some more cycling stuff when I can afford it. I would love to get some padded biking shorts, sport sunglasses, bike shoes and clipless pedals. I am really trying to work on my cycling to prepare for the half ironman I am doing in September. That race will be 56 miles on the bike followed by a 13.1 mile run. I thought this ride was a great way to prepare myself for the half ironman.

I started on the ride at 9:00 am. The wind was really strong at the beginning. I rode for about 15 miles and then I arrived at the first rest stop. I had never seen so much food at a fitness event. They has muffins, bagels, PB&J sandwiches, cookies, brownies, fruit, etc. I really stocked up. I ate half a chocolate muffin and some brownies. I had been on a diet leading up to the ride so the food tasted amazing and gave me so much energy. I rode another 20 miles and then we had lunch. Again, tons of food. The second half of the ride we had a tail wind which made it seem like I was flying on my bike. My pedometer said I got up to 36 mph going down a hill. It felt fast! Around mile 50 there was yet another rest stop with even more food. I seriously think I ate at least six brownies during the ride. I had so much energy because of all the food they served. I finally arrived back at the ride starting point, my GPS only said 66 miles so I rode one more mile to make it 67. We were served a catered pasta lunch at the end of the ride. I met so many people and had such a great time. I was a tiny bit sore, but felt such an amazing high. I think I loved it so much for two reason, 1- it wasn't a race and 2-I loved eating all that food. They don't feed you like that when you do marathons and triathlons. I think I'm going to love these bike rides. It took my 4 hours and 18 minutes to complete the 67 miles (not counting the rest stops). I have a lot more confidence in myself and think I will be able to make it through the half ironman in September. It will be a totally different experience though because it will be a race and it won't be serving tons of food.

I just have to mention the scenery of the ride was amazing! I got to ride through almond, apple, cherry, peach, pear, plum and walnut orchards. The February blossoms were so beautiful. I also saw vineyards and serene streams of water. I really was in heaven. I feel so grateful to be able to exercise. I get such a happy and peaceful feeling when I do. Nothing in life compares to how I feel when I doing what I love most. My next ride is on April 10; I'm going to go for 88 miles. I can't wait!