I find this inconceivable
Okay, so I was at breakfast just now, and was chatting with the guy at the next table. He had done the whole 300k yesterday, and was absolutely toast. Kind of out of it, really. He said that he had figured it would take him about 13 hours (bear in mind that my 300k 2 weeks ago took me 15.5 hours), but that he got in with a fast group, and finished in 11 hours. At one point they were going 32 MILES AN HOUR. For those of you who aren’t cyclists, okay, that’s fast.
Umm, this is why I am feeling a bit discombobulated. On a brevet, I tend to average something more in the 13-14 mph range. On a good day. With no headwind.
In this group, there just aren’t that many pokey-slow types like me. I’m really having to wrap my head around the prospect of riding all of tomorrow night totally alone.
Time to put the lights on the bike and go to inspection now. Deep breaths.
May 22nd, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Lisa,
You have been through the dark night riding and made it to the other side before so keep thinking positive. Do not worry about that guy cutting those two hours off his expected time he may be riding with you at night because he is now toast in a major way.
Remember, you have to ride your race in your way. One rest area at a time and one cut off at a time. Also those guys hammering at 30 miles an hour will slow down in the darkness. That guy going 30 mhp at the end of the day averaged under 17mhp to finish a 300k in 11 hours. So it was a short lived 30 mhp average. So he is in your range as how fast he is going overall.
Do not let the talk of the other riders throw you off your game. Keep your eye on the prize and remember what all those rides in the cold were about. You can do it!!!!
James
May 22nd, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Just do your thing. Your pace, your rest protocol etc. You will succeed. Just think, the 15 hr ride would have been at least 1 hour less if we wouldn’t have gone 208 miles.
By the way, reading about your trip is motivating!
May 23rd, 2007 at 7:44 am
Here! Here! James! You can do this Lisa. You’re mentally and physically prepared. Do not question yourself. We’re all behind you, wondering if we could ever achieve such a feat. Do it for the Home Team Girlfriend!
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:30 am
Good luck. I told Dad Happy Birthday this morning. I scored last night. we won. Finals are June 8th at 6:30(i think) Good luck once again.
WE LOVE YOU!!!
-Toby
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:37 am
Lisa,
After reading all the responses so far, it has really tired me out. I realize after reading them that I had the easiest part of the trip with you on the flight to Chicago. Ihad no idea what was involved in this venture so you have contributed to my education, thanks. Good luck in your quest and stay safe. No way would get me to ride a bike at 4:30 in the morning.
JB