It was a cold, overcast EARLY morning. I left my house around 6AM headed out of the city on a 90-minute drive to Berryville, VA. Where I met the crew of usual suspects...my TNT team. My spirit was somber and nervous, after last week's miserable ride (blast Sugarloaf Mtn.). We gathered up, our coach Bill said this ride is one of his favorite and is used on the Century touring ride circuit...BIG DEAL (eyes are rolling). He said, it would be less intense a more gradual hills. I decided early on to hang out with a lovely woman Lillian (her husband Rob is a cycling machine - leaves us in the dust). The clouds continued to show promise of rain. Finally about mile 16 it started to come down and it lasted for about 30 minutes.
At our first SAG stop(Support And Gear...layman's words - potty and food break) - mile 21.9...love peanut butter sandwiches - surprised...think not. I was feeling pretty good. Thrilled the rain stopped, not too wet; I wore a bright neon green cover thanks to my power biking couple Karen and Rob. The scenery was quite lovely, rolling hills, lots of old historic mansions, farm animals (sheep, horses, lamas, cows, etc...). I came across a few climbs that I may have used an expletive word or two. The ones around mile 50 are just not nice.
At our 2nd SAG stop - mile 43 I was not feeling so lovely, truly jonesing for a piece of crack or speed. But I settled on energy jelly beans - trust me they work but I am still banking on the speed. Around mile 55 I was just wanting to stop, finally another coach - Bill rode with me and talked me through a pretty good climb. Now he assured me that the rest was "down hill". I was happy but still a sceptic - can you blame me? Now my Que sheet said 62-miles at mile 62 I realized that I needed to flip it over and see the remaining 5 mile course...UGH!!! Well mentally at mile 66 I was getting nervous with force and determination to pull up and sprint the last mile.
The happiest sight of disbelief is the finish. I slowly hooped off my bike. Stopped my heart monitor - 5:25:13 / avg heart 148/ calories 4092...that made me smile. Started to un-layer my super moist clothing...call it rain or sweat - no difference. I was DONE. It was a small feet and one that will get me ready for this upcoming Saturday.
Now...I am still $2,000 shy of my goal...help me raise the funds to find a cure for blood cancer.
3 comments:
You are so killer! and seriously inspire me! I wish I could do that. Who knows. Our donation will be there shortly I dont think we'll do the 2k but we'll do a lil' bit and a bunch of support and love!
I would agree with Tabs, maybe I should not complain about my workouts, super glad they are not mine. Love the stories.
Go Carrie! You are awesome and inspiring. I can't wait to see you ride.
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