It's funny how building something up bigger than life in your mind almost always leads to disappointment. This time it was disappointment in my strategy, not the ride. For several months, I have been practicing riding my road bike on gravel and dirt just so I can handle the Velodirt rides. Saturday was the first one of the season.
These rides are billed as "not races", which means they are races. So I put on my fastest-looking kit, showed up with my fastest-riding friend, and rode my fastest bike at my fastest pace. I did ok. It took me me a little less than 5 hours, all said and done, to ride the 60 miles with 3300 feet of elevation gain and 20 some miles of gravel. I had zero crashes and zero mechanicals.
The disappointment, however, is that I rushed through the day instead of savoring it all. I regret not taking more time to soak up the near-summer weather, the amazing scenery, and socialize. Next time!
It was a great ride for sure. Hope you got a chance to check out Stonehenge & the Maryhill loops.
ReplyDeleteThanks a ton for coming out! Hope to see you at the Rapture.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Aaron! I'll be the slow chick with a big grin on my face.
DeleteI so wish I would have done this ride. I did it with a friend last summer, the route is incredible.
ReplyDeleteCool, Kevin. Come out for the Rapture instead!
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