Week 3, Day 5 (June 26th)
"Do you have any idea where you're going?" a church sign asked me at the beginning of my ride today. "Nope, not a clue," I replied with a smile.
Yesterday I complained about not having a specific plan for my scheduled three and a half hour ride today. Well, today I still didn't have a plan, but I just took it with a grain of salt (or rather, several grains of salt as I sweated off most of my body's reservoir of water). I took my time waking up, took my time eating breakfast, and took my time getting ready. I think I finally got out of the door at 9:30.
I rediscovered today why I ever loved riding my bike in the first place. I just got up and went. The only boundary, the only goal I had for myself today was to go the full 210 minutes. It didn't matter where I went, how far I went, or how long it took me to get there. I was reminded of some random cartoon I saw awhile back where two kids' lemonades, or something, were accidentally replaced with beer and they inevitably got drunk. (No, I have no idea what cartoon it was or why I was watching it - one of those very random memories that got stuck in my head) While they were intoxicated, one of the kids said to his buddy, "Hey, you know... you know what we should do? We should... we should just get on our bikes... and go... just go." While I was not in the lest bit inebriated, that's kind of how I felt about my ride today - just get on the bike and go.
Don't ask me where I went because I really don't remember. If I saw an interesting road that I hadn't explored before, I took it. I was never lost, but I was never on a certain path either. Each turn was a spur-of-the-moment decision.
It's been awhile since I truly enjoyed a ride. I usually have some quota of miles to reach, some time constraint to heed, some worry at the back of my mind that steals my attention. But today I had none of that. Nowhere to be, no one to answer to, no deadline to meet. I once again admired the fields that rolled along beside me, chuckled at the cows' absent gazes towards me, waved at other cyclists, wondered at how birds fly, briefly visited the flea market, had the wherewithal to realize my sister was driving by and wave, and even answered a random phone call from Lacy. (I think her pocket must have missed hearing my voice.) I really didn't even notice how hot it was until about 12:15. And this absentminded lack of temperature gauging may be part of the reason my legs are now much pinker than they were when I started.
Now, don't let my euphoric description cause you to believe there was no pain or struggle involved. I actually accomplished a lot today, reaching a new cycling personal record of riding 50 miles in one day, in one trip. I got sunburned significantly, despite reapplying sunscreen during the ride. I also ran out of water and Gatorade with 30 minutes left to go. That would help to explain why I weighed four pounds less than I did at the beginning of the ride. Dehydration sucks. My legs are quite sore, and though I've eaten enough to equal two complete meals since my ride ended, my stomach is growling at me again. Guess I used up all my extra calories too.
Despite all that, I enjoyed myself thoroughly. God helped me through, as He always does, including keeping me from getting overly dehydrated. I'm still not yet sure how I'll be able to make it 70+ miles each day for the Ride to Remember, but I have another two and a half weeks to continue working on it. I will do my best, I will not stop until I'm finished, and I will do it for those who can't do it for themselves.
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
raw
Week 3, Day 4 (June 25th)
Cycling is a raw sport. Sure, the professionals have super light bikes, aerodynamic helmets and clothing, and crazy-super protein/carbohydrate/sugar/kitchen-sink bars to make them go faster and farther; but, when you strip away all the special gadgets and widgets, it all comes down to simply you, the road, and whatever comes at you. It's all up to you and your legs to push and pull you down the road. There is no team for you to count on, no base or goal to run to, no ball to throw and catch. You sweat, you groan, you smile, you strain, and at the end you collapse. Pure survival.
And somehow, I love it.
With that said, I'm not riding today, haha... I went to Carowinds yesterday and hung out in the sun all day long, consequently exhausting myself. I do not regret the decision because I had a lot fun with my sister (plus her guy) and my good friend, Beth Sulkowski. However, Carowinds, along with a late-night nail-biter Gamecock baseball game (in true Gamecock fashion), did not encourage excitement about or willingness to attempt an early-morning two and a half hour bike ride today. As yesterday was supposed to be a rest day and I did anything but rest, today shall become my rest day instead.
I'm supposed to ride three and a half hours tomorrow and I have no idea where I'm going to go in order to achieve that. I like this training plan in that it concentrates on length of time ridden, rather than miles accomplished. And, honestly, minutes tick by much faster than miles on a bike. However, it's very difficult to gauge how many miles you may go in a certain amount of time, and what loop to take to get back home within that same amount of time. You (or, at least, I) can't just head out in one direction for over three hours, then call someone to come pick me up and take me back home when I'm done. I have to plan these things out, and this training plan, though effective, leaves little guidance for doing so.
I haven't checked how far it is yet, but I'm considering riding to the Boiling Springs/Inman area where family lives, then seeing if they will be kind enough to cart me back home.
Today marks three weeks til the ride... I'm excited and anxious all together. Prayers are welcome.
Cycling is a raw sport. Sure, the professionals have super light bikes, aerodynamic helmets and clothing, and crazy-super protein/carbohydrate/sugar/kitchen-sink bars to make them go faster and farther; but, when you strip away all the special gadgets and widgets, it all comes down to simply you, the road, and whatever comes at you. It's all up to you and your legs to push and pull you down the road. There is no team for you to count on, no base or goal to run to, no ball to throw and catch. You sweat, you groan, you smile, you strain, and at the end you collapse. Pure survival.
And somehow, I love it.
With that said, I'm not riding today, haha... I went to Carowinds yesterday and hung out in the sun all day long, consequently exhausting myself. I do not regret the decision because I had a lot fun with my sister (plus her guy) and my good friend, Beth Sulkowski. However, Carowinds, along with a late-night nail-biter Gamecock baseball game (in true Gamecock fashion), did not encourage excitement about or willingness to attempt an early-morning two and a half hour bike ride today. As yesterday was supposed to be a rest day and I did anything but rest, today shall become my rest day instead.
I'm supposed to ride three and a half hours tomorrow and I have no idea where I'm going to go in order to achieve that. I like this training plan in that it concentrates on length of time ridden, rather than miles accomplished. And, honestly, minutes tick by much faster than miles on a bike. However, it's very difficult to gauge how many miles you may go in a certain amount of time, and what loop to take to get back home within that same amount of time. You (or, at least, I) can't just head out in one direction for over three hours, then call someone to come pick me up and take me back home when I'm done. I have to plan these things out, and this training plan, though effective, leaves little guidance for doing so.
I haven't checked how far it is yet, but I'm considering riding to the Boiling Springs/Inman area where family lives, then seeing if they will be kind enough to cart me back home.
Today marks three weeks til the ride... I'm excited and anxious all together. Prayers are welcome.
I VOTED
Week 3, Day 2 (June 22nd)
I rode my bike to R. D. Anderson today to vote! It was only about 6 miles away, and in so doing I was able to kill two birds with one stone (though I am not condoning animal cruelty). It is a wonderful, beautiful, sacred right and freedom to vote. It is also a wonderful right and freedom to cycle down the road, using your bike as your vehicle. I practiced both rights today and am proud of it!
I do not know how the poll workers felt when they saw me, though. I tried to clean myself up a bit before I went in, but it's difficult to mop up 30 minutes worth of sweat effectively without a Sham Wow or something. I got a lot of strange looks from fellow voters, and received a couple fire ant bites for good measure.
After it was all said and done, though, my ride was successful and my vote was successful.
I rode my bike to R. D. Anderson today to vote! It was only about 6 miles away, and in so doing I was able to kill two birds with one stone (though I am not condoning animal cruelty). It is a wonderful, beautiful, sacred right and freedom to vote. It is also a wonderful right and freedom to cycle down the road, using your bike as your vehicle. I practiced both rights today and am proud of it!
I do not know how the poll workers felt when they saw me, though. I tried to clean myself up a bit before I went in, but it's difficult to mop up 30 minutes worth of sweat effectively without a Sham Wow or something. I got a lot of strange looks from fellow voters, and received a couple fire ant bites for good measure.
After it was all said and done, though, my ride was successful and my vote was successful.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Training Week 2, Day 4 (Friday, June 18th)
Today is my anniversary, so to celebrate I worked over 35 miles in two and a half hours. I even skipped my class for the occasion! I got started around 8:15 in the morning and it was still hot as band camp (that's as close to swearing as I dare come). I've noticed lately that after longer rides (2-3 hours), I lose about two pounds of water from start to finish. TWO POUNDS of water. No wonder dehydration is easy to come by. But don't worry, I'm guzzling water and Gatorade daily. Hourly even.
There wasn't anything particularly exciting about this ride, aside from the sweltering heat. When I finally finished, I was disappointed when I saw I had only gone 35.7 miles. I mean, when you're training for a 3-day ride that involves traveling 75 to 90 miles each day, 35 miles is not all that impressive. But then, a more logical, optimistic part of me pointed out that "Hey, you just rode 35 miles without dying! How many people do you know who can do that?" Hmmm... good point.
Maybe I don't completely suck after all.
There wasn't anything particularly exciting about this ride, aside from the sweltering heat. When I finally finished, I was disappointed when I saw I had only gone 35.7 miles. I mean, when you're training for a 3-day ride that involves traveling 75 to 90 miles each day, 35 miles is not all that impressive. But then, a more logical, optimistic part of me pointed out that "Hey, you just rode 35 miles without dying! How many people do you know who can do that?" Hmmm... good point.
Maybe I don't completely suck after all.
Training Week 2, Day 3 (Wednesday, June 16th)
Where did the first half of June go? I awoke this morning barely able to move, thanks to the effects of P90X. My back aches, my shoulders ache, and my abs ache. And, to top things off, my nose is sniffly and my throat is scratchy. Great. Needless to say, I did not bother riding this morning. Instead, I fixed myself a delicious breakfast and baked some banana bread (with chocolate chips!). If you know me at all, you know I'm neither a cook or a baker. In fact, I'm barely a sandwich maker. But it turned out to be edible after all, so come and get some! :) Anyway, on to the ride...
WARNING! SOAP BOX:
There are many random things I have learned from riding my bike. For instance, 9 out of 10 drivers do not actually stop at stop signs (at least the drivers around here). This statistic is based on my own experience of sitting on my bike for a rest at a stop sign while counting the cars that rolled through the stop. Only one out of ten of them actually came to a complete stop. Fascinatingly dangerous. Another thing I have learned, or, more accurately, deduced, from cycling is that the majority of cycling/vehicle accidents are likely caused by impatience on the part of the driver.
With that said, I had a fairly close call today. I was coming upon an intersection and I could hear a vehicle approaching in my lane behind me, as well as see another car coming toward me in the opposite lane. Though I prayed he wouldn't, the truck behind me decided to pass me at the exact moment the car coming in the other direction was passing. I was riding on the white line, but the truck passed me so closely, I could have easily reached my hand out and put it in his open passenger window. As if that weren't scary, rude, and dangerous enough, the truck then proceeded to cut me off in order to turn right at the intersection directly in front of us. I had to put on my brakes so I wouldn't run into the back of the truck.
Now, that very impatient driver unnecessarily put my life in danger. If he or she had just waited about 15 seconds, I wouldn't have had to be scared and they wouldn't have nearly hit me. All it takes is a little bit of patience. I understand that cycling is a dangerous endeavor by default. I do my best to wear bright colors so I can be seen. I ride as close to the right as I dare, and I don't skimp on the use of hand signals to let drivers know where I'm going. All I ask for in return is some patience and general lack of stupidity.
SOAP BOX OVER
Aside from that, my ride went smoothly. I had the privilege of riding through a road full of cow and goat droppings. That sort of thing is especially nice on a hot, almost summer day.
It's hard to tell if I'm getting stronger, or better, or whatever it is I'm supposed to be getting. It's only week two, though, and only time will tell.
WARNING! SOAP BOX:
There are many random things I have learned from riding my bike. For instance, 9 out of 10 drivers do not actually stop at stop signs (at least the drivers around here). This statistic is based on my own experience of sitting on my bike for a rest at a stop sign while counting the cars that rolled through the stop. Only one out of ten of them actually came to a complete stop. Fascinatingly dangerous. Another thing I have learned, or, more accurately, deduced, from cycling is that the majority of cycling/vehicle accidents are likely caused by impatience on the part of the driver.
With that said, I had a fairly close call today. I was coming upon an intersection and I could hear a vehicle approaching in my lane behind me, as well as see another car coming toward me in the opposite lane. Though I prayed he wouldn't, the truck behind me decided to pass me at the exact moment the car coming in the other direction was passing. I was riding on the white line, but the truck passed me so closely, I could have easily reached my hand out and put it in his open passenger window. As if that weren't scary, rude, and dangerous enough, the truck then proceeded to cut me off in order to turn right at the intersection directly in front of us. I had to put on my brakes so I wouldn't run into the back of the truck.
Now, that very impatient driver unnecessarily put my life in danger. If he or she had just waited about 15 seconds, I wouldn't have had to be scared and they wouldn't have nearly hit me. All it takes is a little bit of patience. I understand that cycling is a dangerous endeavor by default. I do my best to wear bright colors so I can be seen. I ride as close to the right as I dare, and I don't skimp on the use of hand signals to let drivers know where I'm going. All I ask for in return is some patience and general lack of stupidity.
SOAP BOX OVER
Aside from that, my ride went smoothly. I had the privilege of riding through a road full of cow and goat droppings. That sort of thing is especially nice on a hot, almost summer day.
It's hard to tell if I'm getting stronger, or better, or whatever it is I'm supposed to be getting. It's only week two, though, and only time will tell.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Training Week 2, Day 2 (Tuesday, June 15th)
Yes, I'm beginning this blog in the middle of my training because I didn't decide to write about it until now. But don't worry, you haven't missed much.
In fact, here's a quick recap: The first week of training went fairly well. It was very hot (it is June in SC after all), but I took it easy due to having just completed a sprint triathlon the previous weekend. So, I needed a week of rest, but I also needed to jump on training as there were only five and half weeks to do so once I started. Thus, I rode, but I rode easy, even skipping the required three hour ride on Saturday.
However, this week there is no slacking off! I must say, it was difficult to find or come up with some type of training plan that covers six weeks and allows me to improve my endurance level quickly. I settled for an eight week centurey (100 miles) training plan and shortened it to six weeks. It's intense and requires riding six days out of the week. Fortunately, all I have going on right now is one summer class at lunch time each day, which allows me ample time to ride. And, to make things more difficult for me (or rather, more challenging), I've added P90x to the mix so as not to lose my upper body and core strength by riding my bike all the time. (If you don't know what P90x is, you probably shouldn't worry about it. It's painful to even think about...)
Today I had a test in my class, so I decided to forgo my morning bike ride in favor of studying. So, I rode later in the evening instead. I waited until about 5:00 to ride, after the temperature had dropped a little. I went an easy fourteen miles in one hour, cruising for most of the ride. I found a hill on Chicken Foot Creek Road (yes, that's really the name of it) that allows me to get up to forty miles an hour on the descent if I'm in a tucked position on the drop bars. Forty miles an hour on a bicycle is very scary and very exciting! I have no idea how those guys in the Tour de France go that fast (and faster) on featherweight bikes without crashing all the time. I guess that's why I'm not in the Tour de France...
Good ride, not too hot, felt nice to relax and enjoy the scenery. I wish everyone could enjoy a ride through the countryside around my residence. It is so peaceful, so humbling, so revitalizing! If you don't have a bike, go get one and take yourself for a ride! It's totally worth the chance to get away from life for awhile, not to mention the obvious health benefits of exercise.
That is all of my ramblings for today.
Thanks for reading!
In fact, here's a quick recap: The first week of training went fairly well. It was very hot (it is June in SC after all), but I took it easy due to having just completed a sprint triathlon the previous weekend. So, I needed a week of rest, but I also needed to jump on training as there were only five and half weeks to do so once I started. Thus, I rode, but I rode easy, even skipping the required three hour ride on Saturday.
However, this week there is no slacking off! I must say, it was difficult to find or come up with some type of training plan that covers six weeks and allows me to improve my endurance level quickly. I settled for an eight week centurey (100 miles) training plan and shortened it to six weeks. It's intense and requires riding six days out of the week. Fortunately, all I have going on right now is one summer class at lunch time each day, which allows me ample time to ride. And, to make things more difficult for me (or rather, more challenging), I've added P90x to the mix so as not to lose my upper body and core strength by riding my bike all the time. (If you don't know what P90x is, you probably shouldn't worry about it. It's painful to even think about...)
Today I had a test in my class, so I decided to forgo my morning bike ride in favor of studying. So, I rode later in the evening instead. I waited until about 5:00 to ride, after the temperature had dropped a little. I went an easy fourteen miles in one hour, cruising for most of the ride. I found a hill on Chicken Foot Creek Road (yes, that's really the name of it) that allows me to get up to forty miles an hour on the descent if I'm in a tucked position on the drop bars. Forty miles an hour on a bicycle is very scary and very exciting! I have no idea how those guys in the Tour de France go that fast (and faster) on featherweight bikes without crashing all the time. I guess that's why I'm not in the Tour de France...
Good ride, not too hot, felt nice to relax and enjoy the scenery. I wish everyone could enjoy a ride through the countryside around my residence. It is so peaceful, so humbling, so revitalizing! If you don't have a bike, go get one and take yourself for a ride! It's totally worth the chance to get away from life for awhile, not to mention the obvious health benefits of exercise.
That is all of my ramblings for today.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A Ride to Remember
Hello, my name is Heather Elliott and yes, I'm crazy enough to try riding over 250 miles in only three days.
To be honest, I first wanted to do this ride because of the incredible challenge it offered. If I complete it, it will become my greatest cycling accomplishment thus far. I want to push myself and see if I am physically and mentally capable of the task. I want to be able to say I did it. I figure that maybe, just maybe, if I can accomplish this then the Assault on Mt. Mitchell could be in my future.
Then, as I have been about trying to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association to support my ride, I have been both humbled and heartbroken by the stories of some who have been more than happy to support research to end the disease that took the life of their brother or sister, or that now plagues their mother, father, or best friend. Stories of once happy, loving uncles who one day suddenly couldn't remember their newphews' names. Stories of mothers who can no longer do anything on their own, as they have forgotten even simple motor skills. A colleague of mine told me tearfully that she was planning on giving money toward my ride, but she and her family were sadly waiting for her grandmother to pass away as a result of Alzheimer's. They knew the time was fast approaching and they wanted to wait and give in her memory. She died two weeks ago, and though I never met her, I will gladly ride in her memory.
I am still attracted by the thrill of the challenge; but, now I have a clearer purpose for this ride. Alzheimer's is a terrible disease for which there is no cure and very limited effective treatment. I am riding because more needs to be done, and because I am physically capable (I think). If you would like to follow the random thoughts and experiences of my training for this ride, continue to follow this blog as it pleases you.
Thanks for listening.
To be honest, I first wanted to do this ride because of the incredible challenge it offered. If I complete it, it will become my greatest cycling accomplishment thus far. I want to push myself and see if I am physically and mentally capable of the task. I want to be able to say I did it. I figure that maybe, just maybe, if I can accomplish this then the Assault on Mt. Mitchell could be in my future.
Then, as I have been about trying to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association to support my ride, I have been both humbled and heartbroken by the stories of some who have been more than happy to support research to end the disease that took the life of their brother or sister, or that now plagues their mother, father, or best friend. Stories of once happy, loving uncles who one day suddenly couldn't remember their newphews' names. Stories of mothers who can no longer do anything on their own, as they have forgotten even simple motor skills. A colleague of mine told me tearfully that she was planning on giving money toward my ride, but she and her family were sadly waiting for her grandmother to pass away as a result of Alzheimer's. They knew the time was fast approaching and they wanted to wait and give in her memory. She died two weeks ago, and though I never met her, I will gladly ride in her memory.
I am still attracted by the thrill of the challenge; but, now I have a clearer purpose for this ride. Alzheimer's is a terrible disease for which there is no cure and very limited effective treatment. I am riding because more needs to be done, and because I am physically capable (I think). If you would like to follow the random thoughts and experiences of my training for this ride, continue to follow this blog as it pleases you.
Thanks for listening.
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