Today I made a conscious decision to not act my age. Now, granted, I typically already do not act my age, but that is typically because that's just who I am. Today I made a decision not to do so. Was it worth it? Sure!
So what did I do?
I rode my bike 63 miles. The ride was billed as 64, came in at just under 63, and I wasn't going to argue. They gave me a stamp of approval and I hobbled along on my way.
The trip was from Delaware City to Wilmington and back again, twice: 16 miles each direction. Four legs of 16 miles. Sure! I can do this.
The first leg was not quite what I was expecting. There was a pretty strong headwind and the vast majority of the leg was an incline. At the half way point of the leg was a check-in with offers of water and snacks. I was in pretty good shape so didn't tarry. The rest of the leg was along a path I've taken before, which I've detailed here - https://steempeak.com/crappycameraphotos/@wwwiebe/new-bike-trail-with-crappy-camera - but I did not stop to take pictures this time.
Leg two was fun. Mostly on a decline and with a backwind. I made up some time that I wasn't expecting to have 'lost'. Finally made it back to Delaware City and took a few minutes to stretch my legs. And off I went again.
Now, leg's three and four were not as easy as legs one and two. I had already been riding for over two hours and 32 miles. I'm not the fastest rider in the world (as evidenced by a number of people passing me), which is fine - I don't care, I'm only racing myself - but the first two legs took about 2 hours 20 minutes, and knowing I was getting tired, I was making mental preparations to take 3 hours so I could pace myself where required.
Getting to New Castle was alright. I did take another minute or two to stretch, then off to Wilmington.
And the wind picked up. But I carried on. When I got to the check-in at Wilmington I had planned to rest a few more minutes, which I did. I was a little ahead of my new schedule and had plenty of time to return the final 16 miiles.
Which I took. My game plan on the last leg was "just get back". Case in point:
The 8 mile highway on leg 2 took me 37 minutes at an average of 14 mph. That same 8 mile hightway on leg 4 took me 45 minutes at an average of 11.5 mph. I was exhausted. "Just get there". I didn't need to race, I just needed to finish.
I did face one major uphill incline on leg four, near the end, and let out a wail upon seeing it that may have made a nearby dog bleed from the ears. But I somehow made it to the top.
My total moving time was 5 hours 1 minute. My total time over all was 5 minutes 22 seconds. Didn't tarry for long.
And my reward? Well, bragging rights for one. And an earned beer for two. And a medallion for three.
Here's my second bestie modeling my new "gold ribbon medal" and holding one of my favourite snacks for me. How thoughtful! (He's my second-bestie because the dog is my first)
Lessons Learned
- I got sunburned. It's best to ride at night.
- If I'm going to do this again, I need a new bike. One with better shocks.
- Padded riding shorts sure helped!
- Riding downhill is easier than up.
- When doing something otherwise difficult, ask yourself just why you're doing this. If the answer is "because you can," continue.
- I've just come up with the best pick up line in a bar: -nudge-, "Hey honey, I'm sterile and can ride for 5 hours."
(c) All images and photographs, unless otherwise specified, are created and owned by me.
(c) Victor Wiebe