So, how do you make a short 35 mile bike ride feel like at least 65 miles? Well take some good ol' Texas heat and humidity, add in a bright sunny day, and then don't ride your bike for half the year!
Yeah...today was the 32nd annual Tour de Paris, which is now our 'local' ride. While it was nice to sleep in sort of, and not have to rush to get there (and be home in 15 minutes was grand!), we were not quite expecting it to take so much out of us. It is true that neither DH nor I have ridden any distance this year due to the whole move/getting settled/unpacking/rain/heat. However, we have not been inactive. We have been weightlifting regularly, and have dropped fat and added some muscle. So we figured we would ride the 20mi route, and see if we felt ok to continue for the 35mi section.
The lesson learned is that weight training is not equal to aerobic cycling endurance. There is carryover, for short bursts of force, such as going up a hill, but for continual turnover of the legs, it sucks. We need to ride more. Period.
Still, the TdP is a great ride. The whole town turns out, helps out, and it is one of the best run rides in Texas. SAGS are well spaced, and well stocked. They even had lots of pickle juice (Dave's favorite for cramp relief). Volunteers are helpful, friendly and energetic. Much of the food is homemade, like divine brownies and chocolate chip cookie bars! And the route is well marked. The roads are in better-than-average condition, and due to the rural nature of the ride, traffic is low.
We thought we had a good plan, to ride the recumbent tandem to the 20mi turnaround, and evaluate. We did this, and decided we would be fine for the extra miles to get to 35. Boy, am I glad we did not attempt the 57mi route! I think we would have had to SAG in...We just didn't have the miles in the legs today.
Squat camp is next week in Ft Worth, and I am staying the night before with our dog rescue friends at TIRR. At least I know my legs are ready for squat camp!
Looks like you had an awesome time anyway! :-D But you're absolutely right that pushing weight is no substitute for cardio endurance! Have a fab time at Squat Camp next week!
ReplyDeleteWill you be riding Hotter N Hell? Good on you for getting out and enjoying the scenery, although I believe you when you say it felt like 65 mi!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the message in my comments on that problem in LD's comments. Horrors!
Phlegmmy, i did HHH last year so this year would be DH's turn, assuming he had enough miles in the legs for it. He has done HHH 100mi route in 5hrs flat, while I squeaked in just under 6hrs last year.
DeletePhlegmmy, i did HHH last year so this year would be DH's turn, assuming he had enough miles in the legs for it. He has done HHH 100mi route in 5hrs flat, while I squeaked in just under 6hrs last year.
DeleteYou are amazing! The thoughts of a 3.5 bike ride makes my knees cry like babies; YOU GO! sitting here, shaking my head in absolute amazement!!
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