One of the great things about this event is that they give back to the community. They had a big raffle and gave away bikes for kids. This was awesome to see. I love to see a kids face brighten as they are handed a bike to ride. After the giveaway, Trish (the organizer) jumped in the car and escorted us out of town. I was fast on her tail, pulling 27 to 28. I looked back to see the others falling back. This would be a ride alone, I guess.
Leaving Town |
out of Homeland only to have him pull right up beside me and into traffic to let me through...cool!
I proceeded to zip through the first stops and fly through about the first 30 miles at a nice 25 average when my legs decided to rebel. They had had enough and they weren't playing anymore. But, I was 30 miles into a 63 mile ride...the decision was made by me to take it easy and let my half good leg do most of the work. It was OK, but it took a lot of will power not to stop and walk a ways. Thinking back on it now, it was probably a good thing I didn't as they would have stiffened right up.
At about the 45 mile mark, as I followed the arrows, a weird thing happened. I came along side some racers in full garb and looked up to see a finish line at the top of a hill and many, many people waving and cheering...why was I here? This was weird. Did I take a wrong turn? I know I followed the arrow. So, up I went to the strange looks of a recumbent passing on a hill and weird looks from spectators wondering what I was doing in the race. I crossed the finish line first in my category...LOL...and kept going.
I proceeded to ride cautiously wondering if I had to turn around, but came across another arrow so all was good. I just kept riding and enjoying the weather. There was a slight mist of rain along the ride and winds started picking up a bit...legs don't like the wind they said...
As I followed the arrows back into town, I came into a dead end and took a right turn only to end up in the middle of a crowded street full of people and lots of venders. I had to stop and get off and walk my bike as there were just too many people to safely menuever. I pulled into the finish with a 2:45 riding time and a very sore set of legs. No more riding for a bit until they heal properly. I have been given a set of instructions on stretching and hope to do some light spinning this weekend. We'll see how it goes. I don't want to risk any further trauma or time off the bike as I have two big events coming: The Polk County Time Trial Series I did last year and the Miami 6hr coming in mid April. Fun, fun, fun:-)
Thank you, again, to the organizers of this local event. It was fun and the roads are great! See you next year!!!
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