Digging Deep
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This morning was my first group bike ride. I rode with the Atlanta Cycling weekly group ride. They have rides nearly every day. They have two to choose from on Saturdays: a 40-53 miler and a 20 miler.
I oft have bigger eyes than stomach, but I avoided this temptation and chose the 20 miler that is rated easy or moderate. Without realizing it, I chose the moderate group which is significantly faster than the easy group.
The ride initially seemed like it was going to be enjoyable without much challenge. That is until I hit the first big hill. I fell back, but was able to catch up during the straight away. After assuring the rest of the group that I was Ok to proceed, I was informed that the hill I had just topped was a beginner hill and only a warm up for the ride. This, I found, was not an exaggeration, in fact it was quite accurate. The hills were plentiful and the pace was a around 17mph. It was quite a work out.
It is sometimes painful to realize that you are nearly as in shape as you once thought. Experiences like this tend to motivate people or cause them to reconsider what they are doing.
I choose to be motivated.
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November 24, 2008 pm31 9:21 am
Good morning Joe and welcome home for Thanksgiving week. Reading this post reminds me of how true and humbling an experience this can be. Like yourself I often choose to ride with groups as a measure of how well my training is going.
Somedays I track with seasoned riders while on other days I get smoked. I’m discovering a good portion of this is mental prep along with proper technique i.e. cadence.
I’m also discovering that a good dose of carbs (slow release) a day or two prior to a heavy day of climbs helps with endurance and power output.
Anyway I think it’s bitchin your out there powering pedals with the young ones.
~peace
November 25, 2008 pm31 11:44 am
It’s good to be home. San Francisco is nice, but I missed my family.
I really enjoy group rides. I have been on a few more since I posted this. I went on a 65 miler in Columbus, Georgia that had some really challenging climbs. It was a really small group of VERY experienced riders.
I learn so much with every group ride. I really should take the time to do more.
Thanks for the comment.
- Joe.