100k bike ride

samthepanda

So on the first day of our holiday hubby and I did a 100k charity bike ride. I have done the 50k of this event twice before but this was the first time I've done anything like that long. So hands up I didn't train enough. I had pneumonia in March and was out of action for a couple of months. I also did a10k race a couple of weeks before so I while I was exercising I knew I didn't have enough long rides in. I was confident I could do the distance eventually but not fast.
It wasnt the best prep as the week before the ride my kids were away so I spent long hours doing DIY and moving furniture, not sleeping much and nutrition wasnt the best. The day before MIL cooked tea and as she still can't do vegetarian food (I've now been in the family 25 years) I ate new potatoes, carrots, and peas.
The forecast was for a very hot day with a few showers in the afternoon so I had packed light kit and sun cream. The day dawned clear blue sky but cool so I dug out a base layer and waterproof. By the time the ride started it had clouded over and was still cold. We started off me, hubby and hubbys uncle (75). the uncle set off at a cracking pace. I pushed off and realised someone had knocked into me and knocked my gears out sync.

samthepanda

By the time I'd sorted it the boys were well ahead. I tried to sprint to catch up but didn't feel like there was any power in my legs. I hadn't felt 100% the couple of days before, and had struggled a bit on my last run(though it was fast for me) don't know if I was just tired but at that point 2k in i worried I might not be able to finish the ride because I knew how many very long climbs were ahead. My chest wasnt feeling good either, and i was spitting up with every cough. I have a inhaler since pneumonia which I rarely use now but needed it that day. Eventually I caught up with hubby. 15 mins it started to drizzle. By the time we reached the first refreshment stop at 20k it was properly raining and after that it never stopped it just got heavier. Shortly after the stop we started our first long climb, it felt endless! A long slow grind for 2k followed by a very steep section. I was determined to keep going but boy was it hard just didn't feel we were getting anywhere. Visibly was poor and the wind blustery. At that time I was on my own and I couldn't see anyone. The support vehicle passed me and I was so tempted to throw the bike in the ditch and ask for a lift! The route plan showed the food stop at just before 50k but in reality it was at 55k. It was good to know we were over half way and I had a very welcome cup of tea. I still didn't feel I had any power for sprints but slogging along on the mainly flat felt OK and I was sure I could finish. The worst however was to come.
Next it was time for the King of the Hills - 3k climb up winding roads with several tractors! I'm not ashamed that we got off and pushed for a bit! There was no help on the descent either as there were a number of very sharp bends and the roads were slippy from mud and rain and after several accidents they were slowing down (I'm nervous on steep descents anyway after an accident). To be honest I remember very little of the next bit apart from discomfort from my knee and being very wet. MIL brought the kids down to see us as we passed the village we were staying in which gave us a boost. One of the hardest things was a fork in the road where it was only 8km to the end point by the quickest route but we had to do another 20k with 2 more long climbs. The temptation to take the short route was huge but I knew I would always be disappointed with myself if I didn't complete it properly so on we went. We walked a lot of the last climb as we were both exhausted. Several riders checked we were OK as they passed us. Finally we made it to the top and just had the descent into the town. No celebrations this time as I crossed the line , after 6 hours 40 mins. I was so tired I had been in tears for the last 2k, I just wanted to get off the bike! I flung it on the floor not caring at that moment if I never saw it again! After a few minutes on the floor I was starting to get cold so hubby dragged me into the refreshment room and then my body completely gave out and I needed some medical attention.
Very glad I did the ride and proud of myself for completing, especially as I think there were only about 10 (out of 1900) who likens did it on mountain bikes! I'll do long rides again but not that one! And I'll be better prepared!

Madwife2009

Wow, I am seriously impressed. Well done for finishing and in a good time as well - that's a cracking average speed considering the circumstances. I do a bit of cycling but haven't gone that distance yet. Fantastic

samthepanda

Thanks. The 75year old uncle did it in 5 hours 10 mins which was amazing. He lives there so is used to the routes - that's my excuse anyway! I'd recommend a long ride to anyway, but check the course out first!

Machka9

Congratulations!!

And you made it within randonneuring time. The minimum speed, including all breaks, on a randonnee is 15 km/h or 6 hours 40 minutes.

Next up is a century (100 miles)!

allaboutthecake

Forging through the pain, cold, traffic, emotions..you DID it. Well done. The whole ride sounded miserable so my hat is off to you for keeping the wheels down.

meritage4

If you do it again swap your tires out for smoother ones. First time I did that I was amazed by the less effort required.

sijomial

Well done - on a mountain bike too.
End of season sales are starting if you are looking for an upgrade!

You might like to check this out for your next challenge/adventure.
(Audax UK - The Long Distance Cyclists' Association) - http://www.aukweb.net/