What a weekend it was. Wet, windy and cold (8-12 C)
Saturday
Airdrie – Fairview Colony 23 km, rain
Fairview Colony – Crossfield 17 km, rain that was hard enough to ring my bell
Crossfield – Carstairs 17 km, rain
Carstairs – Didsbury 14.5 km, rain stopped
Didsburry – Olds 17.5 km, first time we had a bit of wind in our favour for about 10 km. Had some fun at 60+ km/hr
Total distance = 89 km, total time = 6 hours + rest stops
Sunday
Olds – Airdrie 70km (the challenge loop was cancelled), some light sprinkles around Didsbury; wind on our backs; lots of fun. Total time = 3 ½ hours + rest stops
That wind was terrible! Luckily, Jerry was my wind block the entire way and I took advantage of drafting. The event was a lot of fun, despite the weather and I would recommend this event to anyone. The volunteers and support was excellent, although coffee at every rest stop would have been appreciated. I had my coffee mug with me (you can see my cup holder in the photo) and I got more than a few envious looks on Saturday.
We were going to tent on the campus grounds but they opened some dorm rooms so we had a dry night. I was exhausted Saturday night and my eyes were so bloodshot from wind that it looked like I had been on a bender. I'm proud of myself for making it all the way through. Jerry was also impressed and I think it was good for him to see what my physical limits (and abilities) are and what I'm like when I reach that point. He was amazing through the whole event and I wouldn't have made it without him. Mind you, I wouldn't have been in this event in the first place without him!
Charlotte handled great. I was passing people going up hills and I could hear the grumbles about a single gear as I went by. This was because many people don't know how to shift properly. She's also lighter and I kept her at a high cadence (fast pedal rotation). My bum's not sore, thanks to her wonderful saddle and I only had a twitch of pain above my left knee later in the ride. My leg did cramp up at one of the rest stops but it was caused by an improper cool down in conjunction with cold weather.
I want to thank everyone who supported me with financial contributions, advice and well wishes. My muscles are feeling surprising good today, although I can’t believe how much I’ve been eating! I had 2 suppers last night and lunch and a half so far today.
Have a great day!
4 comments:
Yay! Congratulations!
Good stuff... Very proud of you.
Next up, cross canada tour. Really Karen this is the best time, no kids, few finincal comminitments.
I bet you could do it on less then $5000. OHOHOH- I know get married and that can be your wedding present from people- funds. An amazing Honeymoon. DO IT- or at least think very seriously about it. People listen to my advice all time.
lol
It's a good thing I try to keep this blog PG or I could come up with a few very rude comments about newly weds and the condition of their body during a cross-Canada bike trip.
It would be an interesting trip though.
I think I'll stick to shorter rides. Jerry mentioned doing Banff and back over a long weekend but it's 165km each way (apparently quite doable in one day each way but I have doubts). I'm hoping to do our Bragg Creek trip next month.
ohhh had not thought about that. hahah hmmmm perhaps the wedding could be at the end of the trip as your endurence would be built up, and you would ride faster to get to the wedding. ORRRRRRR Say half of your vows in victoria and the other half in st johns. soo the whole trip is your wedding ceremoney.
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