| (Long Distance) Ramblings |
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I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out). "The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget." "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
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Sunday, May 16, 2004
I finished the Davis Double! It was a tough ride, Doubles always are, but I had some problems that I had to overcome on this ride. My ride started well. The weather was cool and I was feeling strong. My average was good and the bicycle was performing well. I made the lunch stop in good time and I had only 80 miles left to ride. However, the next section was hard. It was the climb up Resurrection Hill. I took it easy by shifting into my small chain ring and started spinning up the hill. But by now the sun was out and the heat was getting to me. I stopped in the shade of a tree, must be the only shade on the climb, and rested. As such, I did the last mile easily. At the rest stop, I found a chair in the shade and took advantage of it. I felt a bit weak, but getting better every minute. Then I tried to stand. My legs had no strength and I nearly fell down. I sat back down surprised. My legs were not crimping, they were not even sore, but they also had no strength. I waited several minutes and tried again. I suffered the same result. I could not stand. Now I was worried. I had trained too hard not to finish this ride. So, I ate some energy gel, and rested. I let several more minutes go by before attempting to stand, but again, I could not. I called over a volunteer who gave me some V8 and I rested longer. After thirty minutes, I was able to stand. My calves were tight, but I could finish the ride. I ate as much as I could, the melon was especially good, and took off. Thankfully, I could pedal. While the rest of the ride was mostly downhill or flat, I had strength in my legs and did not suffer on the remaining short climbs. I finished the riding well. While I did have difficulties, I overcame them and finished. As such, I am quite satisfied with my performance. My statistics: Miles: 199.21 Average: 16.2 Maximun Speed: 44.1 Ride Time: 12:16:54 Start Time 5:15 am Finish Time: 9:30 pm Total Time 16:15
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