Tin Turtle
10-01-2012, 08:22 PM
I managed to fight my way through the 62 mile leg of the Apple Cider Century on Sunday. I had completed the 50 mile leg of the North Shore Century ride the Sunday before this, but this last one truly kicked my ass. Lots more hills in Michigan, and a decent headwind for about 12 miles. I really, really wanted to see that SAG stop at 50 miles.
It is a milestone for me after only having started riding again in August. Weight is now down to 210, and the blood sugar is fairly solid in the 80s. Plus I just love to ride. This was a great ride, I really could feel at times what it would be like to ride competitively, though I try to enjoy those thoughts early on, because at the end I just want to call an ambulance. :p
The best moment was as I was leaving the last stop for the final 12 miles into the finish. I somehow managed to get behind this woman who had the most amazing seat on her bicycle. I was mesmerized by this truly beautiful piece of -- hardware. I felt the strength come back in my legs and I thought I would just follow her all the way to the end and it would make that time the most enjoyable part of the ride.
All of the sudden some crazy bug flew right inside my glasses. I was sure it was a wasp and I completely freaked out. Yelled "SHEEEET" and put a finger on each side of the nosepiece and yanked for all I was worth. Of course I had put on the sunglasses, then the skullcap, then the helmet and winched it all down tight. The glasses did come off, but only after I had snapped my head forward about 90 degrees and pulled off the tops of both ears.
I looked up and this poor girl was pedalling for all she was worth. I swear she was gone like there was a rocket motor on that bike, and out of sight in 30 seconds. It was funny as hell. :eek:
It is a milestone for me after only having started riding again in August. Weight is now down to 210, and the blood sugar is fairly solid in the 80s. Plus I just love to ride. This was a great ride, I really could feel at times what it would be like to ride competitively, though I try to enjoy those thoughts early on, because at the end I just want to call an ambulance. :p
The best moment was as I was leaving the last stop for the final 12 miles into the finish. I somehow managed to get behind this woman who had the most amazing seat on her bicycle. I was mesmerized by this truly beautiful piece of -- hardware. I felt the strength come back in my legs and I thought I would just follow her all the way to the end and it would make that time the most enjoyable part of the ride.
All of the sudden some crazy bug flew right inside my glasses. I was sure it was a wasp and I completely freaked out. Yelled "SHEEEET" and put a finger on each side of the nosepiece and yanked for all I was worth. Of course I had put on the sunglasses, then the skullcap, then the helmet and winched it all down tight. The glasses did come off, but only after I had snapped my head forward about 90 degrees and pulled off the tops of both ears.
I looked up and this poor girl was pedalling for all she was worth. I swear she was gone like there was a rocket motor on that bike, and out of sight in 30 seconds. It was funny as hell. :eek: