Ok, it is not a race, but I will still do a report!
Saturday morning I woke up so much earlier than any normal person should and somehow managed to get dressed, got my bike loaded up on my car and hit the road. Packet pick-up and all that took place the morning of so I didn’t have to do any back and forth driving. I got down to the Pikes Peak International Raceway around 5:15, it was still dark! I stumbled my way into the building and got my goodie bag, picked up breakfast and stumbled back to my car. I got my number attached to my bike, helmet and wrist; filled up my water bottles (all 4 of them!) and then climbed back into my car for a little while and ate my breakfast.
I was only doing 44 miles, I didn’t want to push myself to hard because of the last few weeks. The 44-milers were scheduled to start at 7:00, but I took off early. As I was crossing the start they asked if I was a 44 and I told them yes and they said to have fun! The first 10 miles flew by quickly, it was nice and cool, there were minimal hills, it was nice. The first rest stop was at mile 14(ish). Just my luck I get in there, unclip right (as usually) and fall to the left! Everyone was watching! I banged up my knee nicely (picture doesn't do it justice) but I shrugged it off and said I decided it was time to lay down! Everyone was kind and helped me up. I grabbed a banana and an orange slice and continued on my way the next hand full of miles were a struggle because there was nothing. I didn’t see any people, I did see a dead snake in the road. The view of the mountains in the distance was beautiful! Ok, and it had some good hills in that area.
I make it to stop number 2 and guess what, I fall over again! Really? You have got to be kidding me. The two ladies who were at the last stop just laughed and applauded. Everyone else freaked out because they thought I was hurt. We explained to them that I seem to working on perfecting the art of falling at the moment. I had to have the bike guy check out my bike because my chain was slipping, took him a little while but I was back on the road. Enjoying the ride once again, the view was amazing, the hills gave me something to work on and my chain started acting up again. I managed to avoid my middle ring without to many issues. Flew down some hills, fought my way up some hills.
Rest stop number 3… guess what , no, I did NOT fall that time! I looked around and the two ladies were not there, see they were bad luck for me! Got another banana and a slice of orange and for the last time hit the road. Felt great! I realized as I was approaching the end that my back tire was flat, but at that point I didn’t care! I stood up most of the way to keep as much weight off the back as possible. I crossed the finish line and got a medal! I didn’t expect that. J
I put my bike up (without falling), changed shoes and headed into the little expo they had set up. I think this was their first ride, there weren’t many people there. Of course there was a booth set up for Susan G. Koman stuff, I got a running hat and two bottles/cups things. There were only a few other booths, it was nice and small. The food consisted of BBQ and pizza. Borriello Brothers has some good pizza! Plus there was beer or root beer, the root beer was YUM!
After eating I hit the road back home, stopped by the bike shop so they could figure out what the heck was going on with my bike and fix my flat (I can do it, I just chose not to!).
I would have to say besides the fact this ride was for a good cause, it was an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning. The course support was great, the other riders were wonderful. I really enjoyed it and assuming they do it again next year, I will be out there then too!
~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~
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