Note: I posted the report this morning in Team Lefty's challenge log. Fish suggested a separate thread and, well, who I am to argue with Lefty himself!
April 28: 62 miles
April total: 185.5 miles, 93% of goal (200 miles)
This was a charity ride for AIDS - all the money goes toward helping local AIDS patients with basic services like food, shelter, etc. It's not surprising that the majority of participants and crew are gay or lesbian. What a fun group of people! I've never seen more dedication towards making sure that every participant had a great ride!
I'd never ridden more than 25 miles before. The basic route was 42 miles, but they added an 'olympic' extension of 20 miles for the crazies out there. About 7 miles from the turn-off for the extension was the second pit stop - I didn't stop at the first one. BTW, best pits I've ever seen; great food, plenty of cold water and gatorade, and port-o-potties with flowers in them! Anyway, as I pulled out to leave I noticed my rear tire was low. Shit! It wasn't flat, just low. So I went back in to the pit and they had pumps of course. Pumped it up and waited around. It seemed to be holding air so I went on.
Whether triathlon or 5K, I'm always my biggest competitor. So I push myself no matter what. This was just a 'ride', not a race. But there were plenty of folks like myself who were pushing hard. Since I started the ride at the front of the pack, I was motivated to keep up if I could. Such was the mindset when I decided to take the extension (besides, I really needed the extra miles for this freakin' challenge!). About 1 mile after turning off, there were a couple of guys waving us on past an intersection and I noticed that something didn't feel right. Sure enough, the rear tire was really low again. One of the guys at the intersection had a pump, of course, and they helped me change the tube and I was off.
The event is called the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. If you've never been to Central Texas, you're missing out on some beautiful hill country west of Austin. Rolling hills are covered with mesquite, cedar and live oak trees, grass, cactus and wildflowers. The ride route winds through the back roads with beautiful ranch land all around. This 20 mile extension must be where the HILL in hill country comes from. Oh...my...god.
I was told we crossed 13 cattle guards on the way out...I lost count. On the other side of one cattle guard, a youngish steer with a small set of horns (6" long each) was intently watching all the riders pass within a few feet of him. At least he was lying down. There were several long climbs and I felt like I was never going to reach the turnaround and pit stop. Oh, I didn't mention there were several low water crossings throughout the route where we had to dismount and carry our bikes across, using cinder blocks as stepping stones. Anyway, I finally got to the pit and took a much needed break. As much as I dreaded the 10 miles back climbing the same hills, it seemed easier. As I passed the guys who helped me with my flat, they received a hearty "you rule" and thumbs up from me. Three miles later was LUNCH.
More great food and hospitality. Each pit had a theme and lunch was the Wizard of Oz. I looked around for some ruby slippers to transport me quickly home, but didn't feel like hassling with the dude who was wearing them! (not true, just couldn't resist the joke -
)
Only 12 miles to go after lunch, so I was already feeling pretty good about riding further than I ever had. My recovering back was feeling pretty tired though and I was anxious to finish and sign up for a massage back at the race camp. That's right, massages. And shower trucks. And more food and drink.
I left the lunch with two riders who I had shadowed during the 20 mile extension. Cute girl who didn't look much older than 35, but turned out to be a lawyer and administrative judge (I think?). The other guy was another lawyer; they worked in the same building and knew each other. Very nice people and a lot of fun to talk to. Well, about 2 miles after we left the lunch pit, my rear tire went flat again!
No sooner had we gotten the tire off than a race truck pulls up with a pirate and real sexy wench aboard! The lawyers went on and I just stood around and ogled the wench while Jack Sparrow changed my tube. It's nice that they carry tubes with them since I'd already used the only one I had. A few minutes later I'm off again. The last miles of the ride didn't get any easier. It's the hill country, after all! There was one bitch of a short hill that was probably a 10% grade (maybe more I don't know). I was determined to get up it, but just could not pull it off. At least I wasn't the only one walking up. There were a couple of fat chicks that I passed.
There were many low water crossings on the route, most of them dry. I hit one pretty hard coming down a hill and thought the bike was gonna break in half! Well, something did happen to my seat. I just didn't want to stop and figure out what was up. So the last 6 miles of the ride, I had the front of the seat (tongue?) pushing up into my crotch. What a joy.
I rode into the finish alone and so was gratified for all the cheering devoted just to me! They handed me a wet bandana and a nice medal. I was telling the lady who held my bike for me while I got a drink about the flat tires and reached down to touch the rear tire. It was almost flat again. Overall, the ride was pretty hard on my bike. Guess I'll take it in for a tune-up and check over. I probably need new liners for the rims. A couple of people recommended Mr. Tuffy?
I put my stuff away, signed up for the massage (hour and a half wait list), got my swim trunks on and took a dip in the natural springs at the race camp. SWEET! Then took a hot shower, wandered around a bit and then got my massage. Very nice. Then, closing ceremonies and dinner. More great food. About 7pm, I drove my tired ass home and had a couple of home-made frozen margaritas in celebration.
Great day. Great ride (despite the equipment problems). Great people. Great cause. I'll probably do this again next year, hopefully with some more training time under my belt.
Sorry for the long, rambling report. If you actually read this whole thing, THANKS! It's this place that helps keep me motivated. And it's all you guys and gals that make JPs THE PLACE.
Happy cycling!
ps - I don't see how I'll get another 15 miles in by tomorrow to make my goal. Even if my bike was functional, there's no way I'd get on it for a few days, at least!
Saturday's charity ride 'report'
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