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."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Knox Butte Personal Century
In my first long ride after the Death Valley Double and my week long illness, I chose a flat route to the south of Salem.
The forecast was for 70% chance of rain, but the sky, while cloudy, did not look threatening as I head out at 8:15 am. However, I was dressed for rain. I was wearing my Burley Rain Jacket and my Pearl Izumi AmFIB Tights along with booties and a warm hat beneath my helmet. Let it rain!
But the story of the ride was how weak I felt. I guess that my illness took more out of me than I thought it would. I was slow, climbing was difficult and I suffered. The last few miles of the ride were truly difficult and I was really glad to get home. My legs felt like I had ridden 200 miles, not half that. They ached throughout the night and the back of my tights are sore today.
In addition, just as we sat down at a Mexican restaurant for dinner last night, a migraine headache struck. But, it is not a bad one and today I hardly feel any after effects.
None the less, I did have a good ride. The route took me pass Saitiam Bluff and then into the Dever/Conner area. While in Dever/Conner, I had just taken a swallow from my water bottle, and as I was returning it to the downtube cage, a rat ran out in front of me. Yes, a rat. I think I missed it as I did not feel the wheels hitting it, but none the less, both the rat I and must have felt a rush of adrenalin! I wonder if the snake I almost hit in Death Valley also felt a rush?
Here are the stats for yesterday's ride:
DST: 92.65 miles
AVG: 14.8 mph
ATM: 6 hours 15 minutes
But, my heart rate stats are really telling. As you can see, the vast majority of the time my heart rate was above 85% of my maximum beats per minutes.
Above (150): 36:40 9%
In (135 - 150): 5:07:23 79%
Below (135): 50:36 12%
Average: 141
