Brevet
Friday, June 28, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
San Francisco Randonneurs 115k Populaire
It's not often I write a ride report, but this was the longest ride of the year for me, due to a neck injury in January which caused nerve damage to my left arm, so this ride was a big deal for me.
First off, when you step away for six months and come back you notice something real quick, everybody looks good, they are in form, and you're not. A lot of riders are coming off of the super randonneur series, or are deep into their R-12's and it shows. Their bikes are dialed and the riders are completely relaxed and comfortable.
I showed up late to work my start control shift, because my legs
were heavy, but luckily my man covered the first 15 minutes of my
6:00am shift.
The first 30 minutes of the ride was pretty intense and we were rolling at a quick clip. I thought we were trying to bridge up to a group in front of us, but it turned out our RBA Rob Hawkes was hauling ass so he could help Kimber, Julie, and David at the finish control picnic before the other riders showed up.
So we hauled ass and the lead group kept splitting until it was just David Greenblatt, Rob, and I at the front, flying and getting tired. Our plan was to go hard to Pt. Reyes, then split up as I wanted to have a coffee and eat a fat ham and cheese croissant and maybe a big old bearclaw (which I ended up giving to French-which I regretted later as I started to bonk in Sausalito.)
While on Sir Francis Drake, Rob asked me if I remembered my first populaire. I actually remember everything about that first populaire, what bike I had, who I was with, and I remember Rob taking pictures at the top of the third climb. I also remember talking to him at the finish control. We rode well that day, but I still had a lot to learn.
I often think about that first populaire, I think about how much work I've put in over the past couple of years. I think about my goals and challenges and how they continue to make me a better rider. I think about how intimidated I was of the faster riders and the longer distances.
I'm not so intimidated anymore, not because I'm fast or slow or strong, it's because I know when to step out and go my own speed. I know when to break off and fix my flat, or stop for a bathroom break, or eat some food, or stretch, or try to bridge up to the next group, or fall back to the next group, or just get off the bike for a little while.
All in all, a great day on the bike with some good riding, wonderful baked goods and a bomber picnic at the finish. Next time, I will not give my bear claw to French, I'm going to stick it in my shirt like I usually do, or maybe use a handlebar bag.
First off, when you step away for six months and come back you notice something real quick, everybody looks good, they are in form, and you're not. A lot of riders are coming off of the super randonneur series, or are deep into their R-12's and it shows. Their bikes are dialed and the riders are completely relaxed and comfortable.
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The first 30 minutes of the ride was pretty intense and we were rolling at a quick clip. I thought we were trying to bridge up to a group in front of us, but it turned out our RBA Rob Hawkes was hauling ass so he could help Kimber, Julie, and David at the finish control picnic before the other riders showed up.
While on Sir Francis Drake, Rob asked me if I remembered my first populaire. I actually remember everything about that first populaire, what bike I had, who I was with, and I remember Rob taking pictures at the top of the third climb. I also remember talking to him at the finish control. We rode well that day, but I still had a lot to learn.
I often think about that first populaire, I think about how much work I've put in over the past couple of years. I think about my goals and challenges and how they continue to make me a better rider. I think about how intimidated I was of the faster riders and the longer distances.
I'm not so intimidated anymore, not because I'm fast or slow or strong, it's because I know when to step out and go my own speed. I know when to break off and fix my flat, or stop for a bathroom break, or eat some food, or stretch, or try to bridge up to the next group, or fall back to the next group, or just get off the bike for a little while.
All in all, a great day on the bike with some good riding, wonderful baked goods and a bomber picnic at the finish. Next time, I will not give my bear claw to French, I'm going to stick it in my shirt like I usually do, or maybe use a handlebar bag.
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Winter Cycles Road Axe * Audax Bike
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| Super excited about building up this frame and riding the crap out of it. Big thanks to Eric Estlund for making this happen. For me, supporting individuals, their families, their skill, and creative freedom is important, and I want to support them by purchasing their work as needed. By purchasing handmade items, we are investing in the creative future of todays craftsworkers. |
